Conventional and renewable energy projects on federal lands face new challenges and impediments to development arising from land use planning efforts and litigation. In recent years, land use planning on federal lands has involved the expanding and changing use of areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC), protection of special status species, and other restrictions on land use. These efforts have led to new land use plans and associated litigation that partially limit or altogether prevent energy development. Additionally, citing climate-related concerns, citizen groups are increasingly challenging oil and gas development at the leasing and drilling stages. This presentation will discuss these and other evolving trends in litigation and land use planning and provide practical advice to project proponents seeking to mitigate risk while developing on federal lands.
Video presentation from the 70th Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute.