Best Natural Resources Lawyers in United States

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Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Albuquerque, United States

Founded in 1968
707 people in their team
English
At Brownstein, โ€œall inโ€ isnโ€™t just a catchy slogan or an empty claim. Itโ€™s an approach we apply to each challenge we take on. And an attitude that keeps our clients coming back, time and time again.This mentality inspires us to put everything in our arsenal to work for you. From our...
Cohen Dowd Quigley P.C.
Phoenix, United States

Founded in 1991
50 people in their team
English
Ron Cohen founded Cohen Dowd Quigley in 1991 after an outstanding career as one of the first partners of the Streich Lang law firm. Ron had a clear vision of CDQโ€™s present and future professional profile. CDQ would be a small, boutique law firm, specializing in complex commercial litigation....
Verrill Dana LLP.
Portland, United States

Founded in 1862
213 people in their team
English
Decency, honesty, and judgment. The values that define Verrill as a law firm are the reason our clients trust and choose us time and time again. We don't compromise our values and our clients don't compromise on quality. Our experience and New England roots date back more than 150 years, and today,...
Browning Kaleczyc Berry & Hoven P.C
Bozeman, United States

Founded in 1982
49 people in their team
English
Since its beginning as a small office with two attorneys in 1982, BKBH has become recognized as a leading law firm for Montana businesses and individuals. We take great pride in providing our clients with premier legal services.Our FirmServing the Legal Needs of Montana Individuals &...
Lippes Mathias LLP
Albany, United States

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Galowitz โ€ข Olson PLLC.
Lake Elmo, United States

Founded in 1912
13 people in their team
English
Defending your interests. Preserving your peace of mind. Decades of experience.Galowitz โ€ข Olson has diverse expertise to serve your legal needs, from carefully planned events to the completely unexpected. The law firm provides legal representation for a wide range of life...
Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
Des Moines, United States

Founded in 1888
200 people in their team
English
BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPSFor over 130 years, Ahlers & Cooney has represented municipalities, educational institutions, and private entities.WHAT WE DOBy providing comprehensive legal services to businesses, educational institutions and municipalities, our attorneys are focused on building...

Founded in 2008
11 people in their team
English
WelcomeFormed in 2008 by attorneys, each of whom have more than twenty years of experience and who have practiced together for almost all of that time, Ayres, Shelton, Williams, Benson & Paine, LLC owns the reputation of being comprised of members who are among Louisianaโ€™s leading business...
Abbott & Kindermann, Inc.
Sacramento, United States

Founded in 1996
8 people in their team
English
Abbott & Kindermann, Inc. provides a broad spectrum of legal services to private and public clients in all aspects of Land Use, Environmental, Real Estate, and Municipal Law. The firm is located in Sacramento and serves clients throughout the Northern and Central California region.  ...
Parker, Heitz & Cosgrove, PLLC
Billings, United States

Founded in 1986
5 people in their team
English
What are we (About our Firm)Parker, Heitz & Cosgrove largely handles trials and litigation in state and federal court in Montana.OUR ATTORNEYSMany lawyers have hired us to defend them on a wide variety of problems.PRACTICE AREASWe have represented large and small local businesses and hundreds...
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About Natural Resources Law in the United States

Natural resources law in the United States encompasses the regulation and management of natural resources such as water, minerals, forests, wildlife, and public lands. This field of law is complex and involves various federal, state, and local regulations designed to manage resource use, conservation, and environmental protection. Key federal agencies such as the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency play significant roles in shaping these laws, alongside state-specific agencies. Understanding the legal aspects of natural resources is essential for businesses, landowners, and organizations involved in extraction, conservation, or land development activities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Several situations may require legal help in the field of natural resources:

  • Land Use and Zoning: Legal assistance is needed to navigate zoning laws and land use regulations, which can impact property development and resource extraction.
  • Environmental Compliance: Ensuring compliance with complex environmental laws to avoid fines, sanctions, or legal disputes.
  • Resource Leasing and Contracts: Drafting and negotiating contracts for resource extraction, such as oil, gas, and minerals, often requires legal expertise.
  • Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes over land ownership, resource rights, and environmental impacts typically involves legal proceedings.
  • Permitting Processes: Acquiring the necessary permits for activities like mining, drilling, or water use requires navigation of regulatory frameworks.

Local Laws Overview

Natural resources laws are subject to both federal and state-level regulations. Key aspects include:

  • Federal Regulations: These set nationwide standards for environmental protection, resource management, and land use. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act are examples of influential federal laws.
  • State Laws: Each state has its own set of laws governing natural resources, which may include additional protections or requirements. States manage water rights, mineral rights, and wildlife management.
  • Public Lands: The management of national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges is primarily governed by federal laws, but states may have additional regulations.
  • Private Rights: Property owners may have rights to natural resources on their land, subject to state and federal regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is natural resources law?

Natural resources law deals with the use, management, and conservation of natural resources like land, water, minerals, and wildlife. It involves multiple levels of policy and regulation aimed at maintaining sustainable practices and protecting the environment.

What government agencies oversee natural resources regulations?

Key agencies include the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state-level environmental and natural resources departments, and local zoning and land use boards.

How do I obtain a permit for resource extraction?

Obtaining permits involves applying to the relevant government agencies, which may include federal, state, and local authorities. The process requires detailed environmental impact assessments and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are mineral rights?

Mineral rights are the legal rights to explore, extract, and sell minerals located below the surface of a property. These rights can be separate from land ownership and must be obtained to legally extract minerals.

How are water rights governed in the United States?

Water rights are subject to complex legal frameworks that vary by state and may be based on riparian rights or prior appropriation. Water rights determine access to and use of water resources for individuals and businesses.

What legal issues are common in natural resource disputes?

Common legal issues include disputes over land ownership, resource rights, environmental contamination, regulatory compliance, and the impact of activities on public lands and wildlife.

Can I develop land located near protected areas?

Development near protected areas is subject to strict regulations to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity. These regulations are enforced by federal, state, and local agencies, requiring legal navigation and permits.

What role do environmental impact assessments play?

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are critical in evaluating the potential environmental effects of proposed activities. They are a requisite part of the permitting process for major projects and are meant to prevent ecological harm.

Are there laws protecting endangered species?

The Endangered Species Act is a key federal law providing protections for threatened and endangered plants and animals and their habitats. Compliance with this law is necessary for many land use and development projects.

How do conservation easements work?

Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict land use to protect its conservation values. They ensure long-term preservation by limiting development and often involve a trust or governmental organization.

Additional Resources

For further assistance and information on natural resources, consider the following resources:

  • U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • State Environmental Agencies
  • National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
  • Local Land Trusts and Conservation Organizations

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with natural resources issues, consider taking the following steps:

  • Consult with a specialized attorney: Look for an attorney with experience in natural resources law to obtain tailored legal advice and representation.
  • Research local laws: Familiarize yourself with applicable federal and state laws regarding your specific issue to better understand your legal standing.
  • Contact relevant agencies: Reach out to pertinent government agencies to obtain necessary information and guidance regarding permits, compliance, and regulations.
  • Attend workshops or seminars: Participate in educational events that focus on natural resources management and legal considerations to stay informed.

Understanding the legal landscape and seeking professional advice will better equip you to address and navigate natural resources-related legal challenges.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.