When your project involves federal land, minerals, leasing, or permitting, success takes more than legal knowledge — it demands proactive, four-dimensional strategies and trusted relationships. We help clients navigate the complex intersection of law, policy, politics, and business, keeping projects on track and minimizing risk so our clients can efficiently achieve their objectives and avoid stranded capital investments.
We are the trusted choice of oil and gas operators, midstream companies, infrastructure developers, emerging energy innovators, and critical mineral companies operating on federal and tribal lands. Our team manages federal land access, leases, permits, environmental compliance, and legal issues related to federal energy laws and regulations.
We are in the business of energy. Our passion and exclusive focus on the industry gives us an edge — we know how to engage collaboratively with federal regulators, efficiently navigate agency requirements, avoid costly delays, and accelerate your project to successful completion.
Key Federal Statutes We Navigate
Mineral Leasing Act (MLA)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA)
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA)
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Clean Air Act (CAA)
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA)
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
We ensure that projects meet statutory and regulatory requirements, in a manner that minimizes litigation risk and permitting delays.
Deep Experience Across Federal Agencies
We know the players, the policies, and the processes — because we work with them every day. Our deep relationships with key federal agencies and our practical knowledge of agency decision making allow us to guide clients through complex leasing, permitting, and environmental review procedures with clarity and efficiency. Whether it’s navigating bureaucratic hurdles, coordinating with regulators, or anticipating agency expectations, our team delivers insight-driven strategies that keep energy and infrastructure projects moving forward. We engage regularly with:
Legislative Affairs
Energy projects often require proactive engagement with federal lawmakers and political stakeholders. Beatty & Wozniak helps clients navigate the legislative landscape with the same strategic focus we bring to project permitting and regulatory compliance. Our experience includes:
Preparing for and participating in legislative hearings
Drafting and analyzing proposed legislation
Coordinating with trade association and stakeholders from other industries
Coordinating with local and state leadership
Engaging with citizen groups and community stakeholders
We understand the complex obstacles that confront companies seeking to develop on federal lands, and we use this insight to craft federal legislative solutions for Congress to carry forward for the benefit of industry.
Infrastructure, Development, & Land Use Strategy
From well pads to pipelines, electric transmission corridors to hydrogen hubs, we provide strategic legal support for energy infrastructure and development projects from the planning stages to construction and operations.
Our involvement begins early — often before permits are filed or routes are mapped — so we can help clients anticipate regulatory requirements, identify and resolve likely obstacles, streamline agency coordination, and reduce costly delays. We integrate land use planning, environmental review, and permitting strategy to ensure your infrastructure and development are positioned for success from day one. We assist with:
Federal oil and gas leasing
Siting and permitting
Commingling and off-lease measurement
Surface access, rights-of-way, and subsurface easements
Exploratory and secondary recovery units
Communitization agreements
Environmental assessments and impact statements (EA/EIS)
Project team coordination across land, legal, regulatory, and corporate departments, and in conjunction with environmental and construction contractors
We understand what agencies require and how to deliver it in a way that keeps your project on track to avoid stranded capital investment and deliver your desired business results.
Environmental Compliance & Resource Conservation
We help clients meet complex environmental regulatory requirements with pragmatism and without sacrificing project momentum. Our team understands how to navigate the fine line between compliance and progress, ensuring that your environmental obligations are addressed efficiently and effectively. We build practical, regulator-approved strategies that minimize risk, protect project timelines, and support long-term operational goals. We advise on:
Best management practices for project development
Lease stipulations and conditions of approval
NEPA compliance
Voluntary Wildlife Conservation Plans
Section 10 Permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Greenhouse gas emission risk management and compliance strategies
Air and water compliance
Cultural resource and historic preservation strategies
Project mitigation strategies
Our team builds compliance strategies that work for regulators, stakeholders, and your bottom line.
Litigation, Appeals, and Enforcement
When federal obstacles threaten your operations, we act swiftly and strategically to protect your interests. Whether it’s a permit denial, enforcement action, or regulatory overreach, our litigation team is prepared to challenge agency decisions and defend your rights. We represent clients at every level of administrative and judicial review, bringing deep subject-matter expertise and a track record of success in high-stakes energy litigation. We represent clients before:
District Courts, Federal Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court
Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA)
Agency adjudicatory proceedings and administrative appeals
U.S. Forest Service Proceedings
We litigate matters involving drilling permits, seismic surveys, rights-of-way, bonding, royalty disputes, and compliance violations. We also represent clients in federal enforcement investigations and subpoena responses.
Your Advocate in the Federal Arena
With over 18 states and D.C. under active representation, Beatty & Wozniak is the trusted legal partner for energy clients navigating federal terrain. Our four-dimensional approach ensures that we consider every angle — legal, regulatory, political, and commercial — to move your project forward. We are fiercely loyal and dedicated to ensuring that your projects remain profitable.
Let’s talk about how we can help you succeed.
