Bret Sumner

Bret Sumner is a nationally recognized energy attorney specializing in project development, permitting, risk management, litigation, and government affairs advocacy. Bret brings over 25 years of experience to the table for our clients, always with a focus on keeping projects moving forward and profitable.

His portfolio spans upstream and midstream oil and gas development, carbon capture and storage (CCS), electric transmission, rare earth and critical mineral mining, helium development, and pipeline projects.  Bret also advises companies on federal oil and gas leasing, permitting, royalty matters, commingling, regulatory and environmental compliance, and surface access.

With extensive experience in working with the full spectrum of federal agencies responsible for energy and infrastructure project authorizations, Bret collaborates closely with industry leaders, federal regulators, project stakeholders, and local, state and federal leaders on high-stakes project advocacy.

Bret leverages his permitting expertise to help companies plan projects, develop advocacy strategies, and engage with federal agencies to promote efficient project approvals while also minimizing permitting delays and litigation risk.

When opponents inevitably challenge energy project approvals, Bret regularly defends these permit approvals and project authorizations against legal challenges in federal courts and administrative venues, involving claims brought under federal statutes, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Bret also works with federal regulators and legislators to create, revise, and interpret new laws, regulations, and policies related to the energy industry and development of federal lands, natural resources, and minerals.

Bret is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and in Washington D.C., Colorado, Texas, and Utah, as well as numerous U.S. Courts of Appeal and Federal District Courts. He is a frequent speaker and author and lends his expertise to numerous national, regional, and state oil and gas trade associations.

Before joining Beatty & Wozniak, Bret practiced in the Washington, D.C. and Denver offices of the international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P.

When not advocating for our clients in the courtroom, strategizing in the boardroom, or engaging with industry trade associations throughout the country, Bret enjoys adventuring in the American West with family, and volunteering with Scouting America, keeping his Eagle Scout skills sharp by serving his local Scout Troop and Scouts located around the globe.