Solving the problems of federal permitting—delay, uncertainty and cost—is critical to building out new energy infrastructure. According to a Niskanen Center report (March 2024), permitting times for transmission lines average 4.3 years and can stretch out to 11 years. With a new rule, DOE targets a two-year time frame for transmission permitting. Proponents of large transmission projects in the West may need approvals from multiple federal land management and permitting agencies including the Department of Energy, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Forest Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service. Each agency has independent responsibilities and unique project review milestones that can result in significant delays if agencies don’t coordinate. In a rule announced April 25, 2024, DOE is taking important steps to streamline multi-agency federal review of transmission projects. The rule establishes a Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits (CITAP) Program. The rule also requires project proponents to develop public engagement plans and 13 separate reports before initiating an Integrated Interagency Pre-Application (IIP) Process. A key problem the rule tries to address is: “who is in charge of the process?” DOE will be the lead agency for NEPA compliance and may identify another joint-lead agency with “significant interest in the management of Federal lands or waters” affected by the proposal. Another challenge that the rule tries to address is engaging the public early in the permitting process. This rule creates a framework for project proponents to proactively engage with the public, develop the necessary information for multi-agency review, and work with agencies to identify issues that need special attention or additional procedures. Finally, the rule requires a firm schedule for the process. DOE will develop a project-specific schedule, in coordination with other federal agencies, with “prompt and binding intermediate milestones and ultimate deadlines” based on a “standard schedule” that contemplates a decision within two years. If the rule can help agencies work together to hit a firm schedule and make decisions within two years, DOE will have begun to address the permitting hurdle that has slowed the development of much-needed transmission.
About us
Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C. is a team of full-service attorneys who provide our clients with specialized counsel to address legal, regulatory and business challenges. We have the good fortune of representing clients who are among the best and brightest in the energy and natural resources sector. This experience has given us deep expertise that translates into other areas of law including litigation, corporate law, acquisitions & divestitures, employment, estate planning, environmental and real estate to name a few. Our attorneys in Denver and Casper are leaders and creative problem-solvers with keen insight into the complexities of both law and land.
- Website
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http://wsmtlaw.com
External link for Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C.
- Industry
- Law Practice
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Denver, CO
- Type
- Privately Held
- Founded
- 1993
- Specialties
- Natural Resources, Litigation, Business & Transactions, Title Opinions, Commercial Litigation, Condemnation, Water Law, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Alternative Energy, Public Lands, Energy, Environmental Law, Regualtory, Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Probate
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1125 17th Street
Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202, US
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159 North Wolcott
Suite 220
Casper, WY 82601, US
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Employees at Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C.
Updates
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Congratulations to Amelia Marsh for being selecting as the Outstanding Private Sector Extern at the University of Denver Law School for the 2023-24 year. This award is given to a student who has (1) demonstrated excellence in an externship and has engaged in critical reflection about the legal profession, their legal career, and their priorities and values as lawyers and individuals; (2) produced high-quality work in the field; and (3) demonstrated professionalism and a strong work ethic. Amelia has interned for Welborn over the last year and is joining us as an associate in the fall. Well-deserved, Amelia!
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Not even our biggest snowstorm of the season could stop the annual "Changing of the Signs" ceremony. Blake Street turning to Tooley Street starts the St. Patrick's Day festivities in downtown Denver. https://lnkd.in/g8D8d-y2
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Congratulations to the 7 Welborn attorneys who have been named to the 2024 Colorado Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list. Our Super Lawyers include Amy Seneshen (Energy & Natural Resources), Keith Tooley (Business Litigation) and Rebecca W. Watson (Energy & Natural Resources). Our Rising Stars are Jordan Cohen (Business/Corporate), Allison MacKinnon (Energy & Natural Resources), Mallory Hasbrook (Energy & Natural Resources) and Jens Jensen (Energy & Natural Resources).
Lawyer and Attorney Ratings : Find Rated Lawyers and Attorneys at Super Lawyers
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Welborn’s Scott Turner, Colorado reporter for The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, shares his thoughts on recent developments in Colorado and BLM natural resources law, including the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision not to adopt a universal definition of “production” for oil and gas leases. Thank you, Scott, for your insight. https://lnkd.in/grM-Q4cm
Colorado—Oil & Gas
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Congratulations to Ashley Glassman.
Congratulations to our 2024 Mentor Program Mentees! Acceptance into this highly competitive program, propels each of you into a transformative year of new friendships, philanthropy, and personal growth. We are excited to have you! If you are a Mentor Program Alumni, stay tuned for opportunities coming your way.
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Welborn is proud to announce that three of our attorneys have been selected by 5280 Magazine as Denver’s Top Lawyers 2024. Congratulations to Amy Seneshen (Natural Resources Law), Carolyn Burr (Water Law), and Steve Bain (International Law). Welborn’s attorneys are honored to have been selected by their peers. https://lnkd.in/gzDUNF8B
More Than 500 of the Best Attorneys in Denver—and Beyond
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In support of our commitment to strengthening the communities in which we live and work, Welborn is pleased to announce contributions to the Colfax Community Network and Wyoming Food for Thought Project during this holiday season. The Colfax Community Network works to improve and strengthen the lives of those living in transient housing, primarily in motels along Colfax Avenue in Denver. The Wyoming Food for Thought Project, located in Casper, Wyoming, aims to alleviate poverty and ensure that every individual has direct and equitable access to food.
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Welborn is proud to announce that it is again ranked nationally in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms® earning a National Tier 2 ranking in Natural Resources and Oil & Gas Law. In addition to our national rankings, Welborn is ranked among the top in its region in 15 practice areas. In Colorado, Welborn is ranked as Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil & Gas Law, Tax Law and Water Law, and ranked as Tier 2 in Corporate Law, Litigation – Municipal, and Real Estate. Welborn received a Tier 3 ranking in Administrative/Regulatory Law, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction. Our Wyoming office is also ranked as Tier 2 in Energy Law, Natural Resources Law and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process including client feedback and peer review. https://lnkd.in/eDyTcWFX
Best Lawyers® - Purely Peer Review® | Best Lawyers
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Welborn is pleased to announce that Danielle DiMauro has joined the Denver office as Special Counsel. Prior to joining Welborn, Danielle worked for over 13 years as an attorney in the Office of the Solicitor for the U.S. Department of the Interior advising BLM on a variety of public lands and natural resource related issues.
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