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:

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 clients’ 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.

June 5, 2025
Spotlight

Chambers Recognizes Leonard Dougal, Lynn Sherman, and Jackson Walker’s 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.

Chambers USA Guide 2025 announcement

June 5, 2025
Spotlight

Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.

April 28, 2025
Speaking Engagements

Travis Wussow to Present CLE on “Loper Bright, the End of Chevron Deference, and the Regulatory Environment”

Jackson Walker partner Travis Wussow will be delivering a CLE presentation titled “Loper Bright, the End of Chevron Deference, and the Regulatory Environment.” This presentation is part of the Texas General Counsel Forum’s statewide virtual CLE program.

March 6, 2025
Insights

U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Wastewater Permitting Authority in Major Clean Water Act Decision

By Leonard H. Dougal and Alicia French

On March 4, 2025, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency, which restricted the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) permitting authority under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”).

Landscape of Oil and Gas Refinery Manufacturing Plant., Petrochemical or Chemical Distillation Process Buildings., Factory of Power and Energy Industrial at Twilight Sunset., Engineering Petroleum.

February 24, 2025
Attorney News

Lawdragon Names 15 Jackson Walker Partners Among Leading Energy Lawyers of 2025

According to Lawdragon, the Energy 500 list “reflects the historic strength of a handful of firms in this area, as well as the incursions the global powerhouses have made establishing Energy as a mainstay of their practices.”

February 7, 2025
Speaking Engagements

John Holden and Travis Wussow to Present at 14th Annual Energy Law Symposium

Jackson Walker partners John B. Holden, Jr. and Travis Wussow will be featured panelists at the 14th Annual Energy Law Symposium, presented by Texas A&M University School of Law, scheduled for February 13-14, 2025.

Ali Abazari, Leonard Dougal, Taylor Holcomb, Lindsey Moorhead, Mike Nasi, Ben Rhem, Dan Vineyard, and Peter Wahl

January 31, 2025
Attorney News

Lawdragon Lists Eight Jackson Walker Partners Among Leading Environmental Lawyers of 2025

Jackson Walker partners Ali Abazari, Leonard Dougal, Taylor Holcomb, Lindsey Moorhead, Michael Nasi, Benjamin Rhem, Daniel Vineyard, and Peter Wahl have once again been recognized among Lawdragon’s list of leading environmental lawyers.

Landscape of Oil and Gas Refinery Manufacturing Plant., Petrochemical or Chemical Distillation Process Buildings., Factory of Power and Energy Industrial at Twilight Sunset., Engineering Petroleum.

January 31, 2025
Insights

What’s Next for Energy Policy after President Trump’s Executive Orders?

By Travis Wussow & Michael J. Nasi

On his first day in office, President Trump signed an historic number of executive orders, many of which were focused on energy policy issues. These orders provided a clear signal of President Trump’s policies and policy directives to federal agencies over the coming months. The two most consequential energy-related executive orders were an order titled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” and an order titled “Unleashing American Energy”.

Lynn Sherman

January 8, 2025
Speaking Engagements

Lynn Sherman to Speak at 26th Annual Changing Face of Water Law Course

Jackson Walker partner Lynn Sherman will be a featured speaker at the 26th Annual Changing Face of Water Law Course. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio on February 20-21, 2025.

Lynn Sherman

November 26, 2024
Speaking Engagements

Lynn Sherman to Speak at TexasBarCLE’s Advanced Real Estate Strategies Course

Jackson Walker partner Lynn Sherman will be a panelist at the 18th Annual Advanced Real Estate Strategies Course, hosted by the TexasBarCLE.