News
Rebecca Watson Served as Program Co-Chair for the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation’s Special Institute on Advanced Public Land Law
Welborn Shareholder Rebecca Watson served as Program Co-Chair for the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation's Special Institute on Advanced Public Land Law - The Continuing Challenge of Managing for Multiple Use. The Institute was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico January...
Hoping to Fish or Boat on Utah Waters? The Utah Supreme Court May Soon Clarify Your Access Rights.
After nearly a decade of uncertainty, Utahans and visitors alike are looking forward to certainty on two key issues: (1) public access to and (2) navigability of the Beehive State’s premier rivers. It all started with Conatser v. Johnson, where the Utah Supreme Court...
Colorado Supreme Court Limits How Transbasin Water May Be Used and Holds That Unjustified Non-Use of Water Rights Will Count Against Water Users When They Change Their Water Rights
The Colorado Supreme Court recently addressed two previously unsettled issues that will impact other water users in Grand Valley Water Users Ass’n v. Busk-Ivanhoe, Inc., 14SA303 (2016). First, the Court held that imported transbasin water may not be stored in the...
Hardrock Mining Will Require Hard Cash
On January 11, 2017, EPA published a proposed new rule that would require hardrock mining facilities to post security or prove their financial responsibility under Section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or...
Amended BLM Right of Way Regulations
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published amended rules governing rights of way granted under Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (“FLPMA”) and under the Mineral Leasing Act (for oil or gas pipeline rights of way) on December 19, 2016, 81 Fed....
Seven Welborn Attorneys Named as Top Lawyers in Denver for 2017
Seven Welborn attorneys are included in the 2017 edition of Denver's Top Lawyers List compiled by 5280 Magazine. Keith Tooley and Brian Tooley (Civil Litigation); Ed Blieszner (Transportation); Carolyn Burr (Water); and Rebecca Watson, Laura Lindley, and Steve...
Weighing the Scales: Master Leasing Plan Aims to Balance Oil, Natural Gas and Mining with Conservation of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Internationally known for rugged landscapes and stunning views, the treasured Arches and Canyonlands National Parks now have a plan, that is, a Master Leasing Plan. The Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) introduced the concept of Master Leasing Plans (“MLPs”) as part...
Allison MacKinnon Accepted Into the Denver Petroleum Club’s 2017 Mentor/Mentee Program
Welborn Associate, Allison MacKinnon, has been accepted into the Denver Petroleum Club's 2017 Mentor/Mentee Program. The program brings together established oil and gas industry leaders with young industry professionals to provide insight, guidance, and advice...
Wyoming Supreme Court Justices Disagree: An Unusual Circumstance
Wyoming’s Supreme Court Justices seem to agree most of the time. In fact, in 2016 more than 95% of the Court’s orders and opinions were unanimous. The most recent disagreement is in Cheyenne Newspapers, Inc. v. The Board of Trustees of Laramie County School District...
Welborn’s Steve Bain Presented on the Colorado Bar Association’s Live Webcast
Welborn Shareholder, Steve Bain, presented at the Colorado Bar Association’s Live Program and Webcast on December 8, 2016. The program reviewed topics covered in the new edition of Environmental Regulation of Colorado Real Property. The 2016 edition of the book can be...
Employer Alert Update: Nationwide Injunction Delays Implementation of New Overtime Rule for White Collar Employees.
Yesterday, a federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction barring implementation of the new overtime rule that raises the salary threshold for white collar employees from $23,660 to $47,476. Court Decision This ruling means that the new salary...
With $646 Billion In Annual Spending, The Outdoor Recreation Industry Has Caught The Eye Of The Hill
Private groups estimate that the outdoor recreation industry generates $646 billion in consumer spending each year and supports 6.1 million jobs—more than pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles and parts combined (see chart below). Yet, policy makers have been left in the...