Among the business groups most actively fighting the proposal are those representing oil companies, electric utilities, auto makers and other manufacturers.

The National Association of Manufacturers and trade associations representing plastics, electric utilities, food manufacturing and other industries are lobbying for the bill.

He also continued his practice, which included representing large utilities and real estate developers, small companies and individuals, in estate planning.

Lawyers representing electric utilities, telecommunications companies and developers of low-income housing have begun filing lawsuits, and health care lawyers say they may be next.

His group represents government-owned utilities serving about 15 percent of the nation.

Second, the Public Service Commission hired the Rose firm because all the other big firms were representing utilities or other parties in the case.

In 2010, his largest donors represented the oil and gas ($429,950) and electric utilities ($206,654).

He represented Brooklyn Union Gas Company and other utilities.

Dave Parker, president of the American Gas Association, which represents utilities, said: "It's a matter of being pragmatic.

Faust represented public utilities, insurance companies, local baseball teams, public officials, public figures, pro bono clients, and numerous others.