Full-Service Guidance in Oil and Gas Commission and Regulatory Issues

The onshore development and regulatory practice group of Beatty & Wozniak, P.C. has extensive experience in regulatory requirements and challenges in federal, state and local jurisdictions.  At Beatty & Wozniak, P.C. we understand that successful onshore development requires early strategic planning, involving consideration of state, local, and federal regulatory requirements, along with attention to private contractual terms and limitations. Contact us for guidance in oil and gas commission and regulatory issues today.

Our attorneys advise and represent operators throughout the West before state oil and gas commissions (including Colorado, North Dakota, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) on oil and gas development plans, well spacing, pooling, unitization, well density and other matters regulated by state commissions. We also assist clients with permitting and operatorship issues and help operators resolve regulatory violations.

Our attorneys are pragmatic and focus on ensuring that operators can engage in the business of drilling and producing wells. We advise clients on compliance with complex regulations and assist in the resolution of enforcement controversies.

Federal, State and Local Government Legislation and Regulations, including Water Law

Regarding federal and state governmental affairs, our attorneys have decades of experience working with legislators and regulators to find workable regulations for industry in the face of opposition. We have close relationships with oil and gas trade associations and their legislative teams and can facilitate communication to achieve positive results in legislative and government affairs.  At the federal level, we draft federal legislation and energy policies and then work with clients and trade associations to advocate and advance these initiatives before Congress and federal agencies.  At the state level, we represent clients and trade associations before state general assemblies and agencies, including drafting statutory and regulatory language and testifying for and against proposed legislation.

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in the following endeavors at the local level:

  • Obtaining land use approvals before local governments
  • Navigating local government regulations and politics
  • Addressing preemption issues
  • Attempting to implement or revise oil and gas regulations

Our attorneys have been intimately involved in the development of oil and gas-related water law in Colorado, including legislation, rulemaking and related litigation. Our attorneys have successfully obtained “nontributary” determinations for produced water, assisted in obtaining discharge permits for treated produced water, and routinely assist clients with sourcing water for drilling and completion operations.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

When efforts to negotiate and resolve business disputes fail or when it is necessary to challenge or defend agency action, the onshore development and regulatory team is equipped to represent companies in oil and gas-related litigation. We have successfully litigated final regulatory decisions resulting in positive outcomes for our clients and establishing useful precedents for industry.

Additionally, our attorneys have valuable experience representing companies in disputes between landowners, local government and other operators.

Request A Consultation

Reach us by phone at 303-407-4499 or complete an inquiry form online to schedule a meeting with one or more of our lawyers handling these areas.