As the regulatory environment continually evolves, a knowledgeable legal partner can mean the difference between breaking ground and being grounded. Beatty & Wozniak assists our clients with anticipating, interpreting, and complying with complex regulations at every level of government. We’re not just a firm that practices energy law — we are an energy law firm. Our exclusive focus across the energy value chain gives us unmatched depth in upstream development, midstream infrastructure, utility regulation, and renewable project deployment.
Whether it’s permitting and siting, rate cases and rulemakings, land use and interconnection, or enforcement and compliance, we help clients anticipate obstacles, navigate complexity, and advance energy projects with confidence. From drilling pads to units, wellheads to pipelines, and solar fields to power grids — we know the terrain and how to move through it.
State & Local Regulations
We work daily with state oil and gas commissions, county governments, and municipalities across the West to move client projects forward. We have longstanding, positive relationships with key decision makers and an earned reputation for professionalism and expertise with those in government. Our attorneys assist with:
Well siting, spacing, pooling, and unitization
Density and setback requirements
Surface and downhole commingling
Aquifer Exemptions and Water Disposal
Operatorship disputes and permit approvals
Land use and local government approvals
Management and development of land, geology, and engineering support and expert witnesses
State and local regulations can dictate project timelines more than federal law, which is why we’re here to help navigate the unique challenges posed in different jurisdictions across the country.
Compliance Strategy & Enforcement Defense
Proactive compliance protects your assets — but it also builds credibility and respect within the communities where you operate. Our regulatory team provides:
Operational audits and risk reviews
Strategic guidance on multi-jurisdictional compliance
Representation in agency inquiries and enforcement
Advocacy before state and federal administrative bodies
Whether it’s water sourcing, well permitting, or air emissions compliance, we tailor our approach to your operations.
Legislation, Rulemaking, & Policy Engagement
Proactive compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about protecting your operations, reducing long-term risk, and earning trust where you operate. Our regulatory team helps clients stay ahead of enforcement trends and maintain credibility with agencies and communities alike. This includes:
Drafting statutory and regulatory language
Coordinating with legislative affairs and industry groups
Testifying on pending legislation or rule changes
Representing clients in rulemakings across different jurisdictions
Our attorneys have been instrumental in shaping water policy, nontributary groundwater rules, and development-related regulatory reforms across 18 states.
Dispute Resolution & Administrative Litigation
When regulatory challenges escalate, we provide litigation support that’s both informed and strategic. We represent clients in:
Agency permitting policies and regulatory decisions
Disputes involving local ordinances or state preemption
Hearings before oil and gas commissions, state land boards, environmental agencies, and water boards
Administrative appeals and judicial review proceedings
Our goal is always to resolve issues early, but we are always prepared to protect your rights in courtrooms and hearing rooms alike.