Courtney Shephard guides energy companies through complex regulatory landscapes in the Rocky Mountain West. Her experience spans conventional and low-carbon energy production, with a focus on federal regulatory compliance, permitting strategies, and resolving enforcement matters.
At the core of Courtney’s work is her comprehensive approach to environmental compliance. She adeptly maneuvers through complex federal mandates-including NEPA, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act requirements-and handles federal administrative appeals. Her experience includes crafting site-specific development strategies for localized development challenges that with the goal of achieving both environmental protection and development objectives.
Leveraging her background in climate policy analysis, carbon market dynamics, and emissions accounting, Courtney collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive carbon management strategies. Her practice includes methane and CO2 reduction strategies, Class VI storage permitting, and pore space acquisitions. She also represents clients in rulemaking, permitting, and enforcement proceedings before the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission and Air Quality Control Commission.
Access to adequate water supplies is a common project development challenge in the arid western United States. Courtney has more than a decade of experience working with private and municipal clients to appropriate, change, and protect water rights through Colorado water court proceedings. Additionally, Courtney advises real estate, recreation, and energy clients on water rights-related transactional matters.
Courtney’s strategic vision and comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks have been instrumental in advancing numerous energy and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Her ability to synthesize complex regulatory requirements with practical business needs make her an asset to clients navigating the ever-changing energy landscape.
Concentrations
•Air quality
•Climate change policy
•Carbon capture & sequestration
•Carbon management
•Energy transition
•Environmental compliance and enforcement actions
•Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
•Federal regulation, reviews, and permitting under the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Mineral Leasing Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act
•Greenhouse gas emissions
•Low-carbon energy project development including geothermal, wind, solar, and battery storage
•Upstream and midstream oil & gas
•Water rights transactions and litigation
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, 5280 magazine, “Top Lawyers,” Natural Resources, 2024-2025
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, “Ones to Watch,” Energy Law and Environmental Law, 2021-2026
