Resource Extraction

Laws governing the development of minerals, oil, gas, coal and other natural resources aim to balance public need for affordable energy with environmental protection through permitting regimes, public land statutes, and environmental review requirements, reliability and national security.

For environmental lawyers, resource extraction disputes often test the limits of regulatory authority and environmental safeguards set forth in statutes such as the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Issues include leasing and permitting decisions, reclamation obligations, federal–state roles, and the environmental consequences of evolving extraction technologies, all informed by public need for affordable energy.