The United States depends on fossil fuel for more than 80 percent of the country's energy needs. While there are efforts to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, the fact is our country will rely on fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. However, there is pressure on the fossil fuel industry to produce its energy in a cleaner and safer manner. Domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production will remain central to energy policy development in Washington, D.C.

Technological developments, such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, have drastically altered the landscape for exploration in the U.S. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the Marcellus Shale Formation in the Eastern U.S. contains approximately 140 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, while the Haynesville Formation on the Gulf Coast holds as much as 75 trillion cubic feet. Development and use of these resources are at an all-time high, and this has attracted considerable attention from the Administration, Congress and the public over balancing health and safety with energy security.

Federal agencies and Congress struggle with the public policy issues surrounding permits and the accessibility of public lands. In addition, offshore access continues to be debated in Congress with Members split over opening up new zones for development and distributing the royalties depending on their geographic location. Refineries are facing increasing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on both the emissions from their operations as well as the sulfur content of the fuel products. 

FaegreBD Consulting's professionals work with clients to ensure that public policies match their objectives. Our energy and environment practice has extensive experience with fossil energy legislation and regulation. Our strength lies in our vast knowledge of the law as well as our industry-wide network that includes both chambers of Congress and the Administration.

Recent examples of our experience include:

• Representing clients before industry trade associations on their behalf
• Drafting of official regulatory comments before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Advocating before the House and Senate energy and environment committees on energy and climate change legislation
• Developing a comprehensive public policy strategy for a large fossil fuel company to ensure its business model anticipates expected policy changes