Natural Resources
For companies in natural resource industries like mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and renewable energy, navigating the web of environmental regulations can be daunting. State and federal rules are dense, complex, and constantly shifting. Permitting and compliance require expertise across a spectrum of environmental law specialties. And public scrutiny of these industries makes missteps highly visible.
Our highly skilled and knowledgeable team of attorneys brings together the full range of environmental law capabilities to serve natural resource companies. We handle permitting, compliance counseling, enforcement defense, legislative monitoring, and environmental litigation relating to:
- Air emissions
- Water usage and discharges
- Waste management
- Site remediation
- Land use and reclamation
- Toxic tort litigation
- Project development and financing
With attorneys experienced in appearing before regulatory agencies, our group has the relationships and technical knowledge to solve problems creatively at the administrative level. And we litigate aggressively when negotiations fail.
On the legislative front, we monitor proposals, provide input on draft bills and rules, and advocate for outcomes that allow responsible natural resource development. Our attorneys have held key positions at agencies like the Railroad Commission and Attorney General’s Office.
Our Natural Resources Industry Group provides experienced counsel across the range of environmental practice areas. But just as importantly, we understand our clientsâ industries and objectives. By aligning legal strategies with business goals, we enable natural resource companies to manage environmental issues efficiently and successfully. With us as guides, clients can concentrate on the business of safely developing energy, minerals, agriculture, and other natural resources to meet societal needs.
February 27, 2026
Insights
EPA Rescinds Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, Repeals All Vehicle GHG Standards
By Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow
On February 12, 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final rule rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and repealing all motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards under the Clean Air Act. This is the most consequential Clean Air Act action in over a decade. The action reveals the administrationâs legal strategy of focusing on the statutory authority conferred by the Clean Air Act rather than debating climate science and climate modeling. The administration has signaled its intent to use this same approach for GHG regulation across the entire economy, which may reshape the regulatory landscape for power generators, oil and gas producers, manufacturers, and other energy-intensive industries.
January 22, 2026
Insights
White House, Governors, and PJM Respond to Grid Capacity Shortfall
By Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow
Data centers, domestic manufacturing, and other drivers of economic growth are generating significant new demand for electricity across the country. Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow discuss recent proposals to answer a question facing grid operators nationwide: how can we most efficiently and effectively build out generation capacity to meet growing demand from data centers and other large loads?
October 22, 2025
Mentions
Lynn Sherman Discusses Texas Groundwater Law Updates on âAg Law in the Fieldâ Podcast
Jackson Walker partner Lynn Sherman joined Jim Bradbury (James D. Bradbury PLLC) on the Ag Law in the Field podcast to discuss the latest developments in Texas groundwater law.
September 18, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Michael Nasi Moderates Fireside Chat at Inaugural Texas Power Summit
Jackson Walker partner Michael J. Nasi will moderate the Fireside Chat at the inaugural Texas Power Summit: Reliability is the Goal, taking place September 24â25, 2025, in Austin, Texas, and hosted by Austin Energy.
August 26, 2025
Insights
Understanding âBeginning of Constructionâ and the Phase-Out of Tax Credits for Wind and Solar Projects
By Nathan T. Smithson and Travis Wussow
President Trump issued Executive Order 14315, which directed the Treasury Secretary to issue guidance relating to the âbeginning of constructionâ with respect to solar and wind projects relating to the July 4, 2026, safe harbor deadline. On August 15, 2025, the Treasury Department issued Notice 2025-42 in fulfilment of its obligation under the Executive Order.
August 19, 2025
Insights
EPA Proposes Rollback of Climate and Power Plant Regulations
By Jonathan M. Bull, Michael J. Nasi, & Travis Wussow
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a regulatory rollback campaign implementing President Trumpâs energy and deregulatory agenda. These proposed actions represent a fundamental shift toward policies prioritizing American energy production, economic competitiveness, and regulatory restraint.
August 1, 2025
Insights
Clean Energy Tax Credit Changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
By Nathan T. Smithson
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the âOBBBAâ) limits future opportunities for some of the clean energy tax credits previously enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the âIRAâ). During the election campaign President Trump expressed a strong interest for a complete repeal of the IRA credit provisions.
July 22, 2025
Insights
Carbon Oxide Sequestration Tax Credit Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
By Nathan T. Smithson, Amy L. Baird, & Anna R. Irion
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the âOBBBAâ) modifies the federal income tax credit for carbon oxide sequestration. Such tax credit, in place since 2008, was previously increased by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
July 17, 2025
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Default Ownership of Produced Water in Oil & Gas Leases â Key Questions Remain
By Lynn Sherman, Leonard H. Dougal, Peter E. Hosey, & Alicia R. French
On June 27, 2025, the Texas Supreme Court issued a pivotal decision in Cactus Water Services, LLC v. COG Operating, LLC, holding that under the language of the granting clause found in the standard oil and gas lease, produced water is the property of the mineral lessee, and not the surface owner, unless the lease expressly provides otherwise.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers Recognizes Leonard Dougal, Lynn Sherman, and Jackson Walkerâs Water Law Practice in 2025 USA Guide
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that its Water Law practice and partners Leonard Dougal and Lynn Sherman have been ranked in the Chambers USA Guide.