With more than two decades of experience in government and government relations, Neal is Senior Director of Government Relations at ML Strategies. He has represented clients before the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch on a wide range of issues including appropriations, energy and sustainability, tax policy, trade, and transportation. In support of a client portfolio that has included Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, non-profits and associations, and colleges and universities, Neal works to advance client goals related to federal policy and funding opportunities, and to increase client visibility with decision makers at the congressional and federal agency level.
Prior to joining ML Strategies, Neal served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-GA), advising him on numerous issues including appropriations, energy and environment, international relations, natural resources, and trade.
Education
- University of Georgia (BA)
Recognition & Awards
JD Supra Readers’ Choice Award, Top Author – Energy, 2025
Case Studies
Case Study
ML Strategies formed a coalition of hydropower and renewable energy developers to build support for Massachusetts legislation, which was enacted in August 2016, that allows the state’s utilities to enter into long-term contracts with energy suppliers.
Case Study
ML Strategies advocated for the National Association of Health and Educational Facilities Finance Authorities (NAHEFFA) amid the Trump administration’s tax law overhaul. The final bill maintained the private activity bond tax exemption, including for nonprofit hospitals and higher education.
Case Study
ML Strategies advocated for the interests of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and its members before the Massachusetts legislature and health agencies through several rounds of cost containment legislation and bills designed to address the opioid crisis.
Recent Insights
Viewpoints
Potential Fallout if Endangerment Finding Is Rescinded
March 25, 2025|Alert
Energy & Sustainability Washington Update — March 2025
March 5, 2025|Article
US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Take Effect Amid Trade Policy Shifts
March 4, 2025|Alert
Events
Neal Martin and Frank Guinta of ML Strategies and Meghan Burke of Mintz will be attending this conference.
Viewpoints
Potential Fallout if Endangerment Finding Is Rescinded
March 25, 2025| Alert
Read about the EPA’s plan to reconsider its Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding as directed in President Trump’s Executive Order 14154 and how the EPA’s actions related to this executive order could impact various rules and programs.
Energy & Sustainability Washington Update — March 2025
March 5, 2025| Article
Our March 2025 Energy & Sustainability Washington Update highlights federal energy policy developments in February. These include Trump administration executive orders, policy shifts, regulatory overhauls, and permitting changes, as well as federal layoffs and congressional developments.
US Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Take Effect Amid Trade Policy Shifts
March 4, 2025| Alert
Read about the new 25% tariffs applicable to Canada and Mexico, the Trump administration’s recent reinstatement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, other trade actions being explored by the administration, and key takeaways for businesses.
The Impact of U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: What You Need to Know
February 20, 2025| Blog
Last week, the president signed proclamations to ”close existing loopholes and exemptions to restore a true 25% tariff on steel and elevate the tariff to 25% on aluminum.” Significantly impacting the global trade landscape, these measures are the latest in a series of protectionist policies from the Trump administration aimed at boosting domestic production and addressing national security concerns.
Energy & Sustainability Washington Update — February 2025
February 3, 2025| Article
Our February 2025 Energy & Sustainability Washington Update highlights the latest energy policy moves by the Trump administration and provides insights into President Trump’s executive orders, the advancement of Trump’s cabinet picks, and potential energy proposals that may make it into the budget reconciliation process.
Energy & Sustainability Washington Update — January 2025
December 23, 2024| Article
Our January 2025 Energy & Sustainability Washington Update highlights congressional leadership assignments, new legislative initiatives, and updates on DOE’s LNG export pause, Inflation Reduction Act tax credit guidance, and emerging funding opportunities.
2024 Post-Election Analysis: Energy & Sustainability
December 6, 2024| Advisory
Read about the outlook for energy policy in light of Trump’s recent nominations and the composition of the incoming Congress. Topics include the fate of the IRA, the prospects for energy project permitting reform, and areas of bipartisan support.
2024 Post-Election Analysis: Trade and Tariffs
December 2, 2024|
Read about what a second Trump administration’s trade priorities will look like and how a Republican-controlled Congress will play a critical role in advancing or modifying those policies.
Energy & Sustainability Washington Update — December 2024
November 26, 2024| Article
Our December 2024 Energy & Sustainability Washington Update covers Trump’s cabinet picks, recent agency actions, legislative developments, requests for information, notices, and funding opportunity announcements focused on or impacting the energy sector.
2024 Post-Election Analysis
November 8, 2024| Article
Read ML Strategies’ in-depth analysis of how the results of the November 2024 elections are likely to shape policy in many areas, including energy & sustainability, US-Canada cross-border issues, taxation, health care, international trade, infrastructure, consumer product safety, and financial services, and what to expect in the upcoming lame duck session of Congress.
Events
Panelist
Dec
17
2024
Apr
8
2024
Speaker
Nov
18
2021
Energy and Cleantech Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Cleantech San Diego
Virtual Event
Speaker
May
26
2021
Speaker
Feb
17
2021