Energy Law

Tommy Beaudreau on “The Lords of Yesterday and the Imperatives of Now”: Challenges to Energy Transition on Public Lands

Annie Carlozzi — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:56:07 +0000

Tommy Beaudreau on “The Lords of Yesterday and the Imperatives of Now”: Challenges to Energy Transition on Public Lands Annie Carlozzi Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:56

Victoria Matson and Oliver Skelly

On Tuesday, February 25th, Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, delivered the Schultz Lecture, offering a sobering analysis of the structural, legal, economic, and political hurdles to the energy transition on public lands. His talk, “The Lords of Yesterday and the Imperatives of Now,” constituted a tribute to the late Charles Wilkinson's coined phrase. Harkening back to Wilkinson's work, Beaudreau traced these contemporary challenges to the legacy of westward expansion and Indigenous displacement, illustrating how outdated laws and entrenched interests continue to shape today’s energy policies.

Beaudreau framed public lands as a political flashpoint in the energy transition. While state and private lands—particularly in North Dakota and the Southwest—have played significant roles in the oil and gas boom, debates over renewables, permitting, and leasing disproportionately focus on federal lands. Ironically, legal tools once used to block fossil fuel projects are now being turned against renewables, complicating efforts to decarbonize.

Beyond regulatory hurdles, fossil fuel revenues remain deeply embedded in state economies, funding schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Many Tribal nations, too, rely on fossil fuel revenues, balancing economic interests with environmental concerns. Beaudreau stressed that a “just transition” must provide financial alternatives before communities can fully embrace renewables.

Outdated laws, like the 1872 Mining Law, remain a major obstacle to energy reform. Beaudreau highlighted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a key step in shifting energy policy, but legal battles persist over leasing rights, mineral access, and state-federal control. He pointed to Louisiana’s lawsuit over the Biden administration’s oil and gas lease moratorium, which raised critical questions about governmental statutory and commercial contractual rights in energy development.

Economic arguments also dominate the debate. Critics claim renewables are too costly for federal subsidies, mirroring past fights over offshore oil incentives. Meanwhile, global competition—especially China’s control of solar panel and battery supply chains—adds geopolitical complexity to the transition.

Despite these challenges, Beaudreau offered a measured note of optimism. He pointed to Western landowners and ranchers, historically conservation advocates, as potential allies in sustainable land management. Their interest in wildlife migration corridors and outdoor access could foster new conservation coalitions.

Ultimately, Beaudreau underscored that energy transition requires modernizing laws, addressing economic realities, and building broad political consensus. As attendees left Wittemyer Courtroom, they carried with them a clear message: the road ahead is uncertain, but public lands remain central to shaping America’s energy future and, as Wilkinson's "lords of yesterday" remain, the imperatives of change have arrived.

The recording of the 16th annual Schultz Lecture can be found here.

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The Legal Effect of Executive Orders - Professor Panel March 18th

Annie Carlozzi — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:07:19 +0000

The Legal Effect of Executive Orders - Professor Panel March 18th Annie Carlozzi Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:07

A Colorado Law Student Event

Presented by: The Byron White Center, The Getches-Wilkinson Center, and the American Constitution Society

Panelists: Professor Daria Roithmayr, BWC Director Deep Gulasekaram, and GWC Director Chris Winter

Tuesday, March 18th 12-12:50pm in Room 207

Join us for a panel discussion regarding the slurry of executive orders that Trump has passed over the past month that he has been in office, impacting several (if not all) areas of law. This panel's purpose is to discuss each of the executive orders, how they compare to those in previous administrations, and the extend of the orders' legal impact. Lunch will be provided, so please arrive early to grab your food and a seat!

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Feb 25th: Schultz Lecture in Energy with Tommy Beaudreau

Annie Carlozzi — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:34:45 +0000

Feb 25th: Schultz Lecture in Energy with Tommy Beaudreau Annie Carlozzi Thu, 12/19/2024 - 11:34

The Getches-Wilkinson Center and Center of the American West will co-host the 16th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy on February 25, 2025 with special guest, Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00-7:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

A reception will be held immediately following the lecture for all in person registrants.

Two general CLE credits have been approved for Colorado attorneys.

Register Here

“The Lords of Yesterday and the Imperatives of Now”

Beaudreau will discuss the structural, legal, and political challenges to energy transition on public lands. He will provide an exploration of the contemporary problems that must be solved for bringing public lands to bear in energy transition efforts, and how the roots of those issues rest in the legacy of American westward expansion and the displacement of Native people.

Student Lunch and Learns
Tues, February 25, 2025 at the Center of the American West
Wed, February 26, 2025 in Room 207 in Wolf Law

GWC and CWA respectively, will host a lunch and learn for students, where Tommy Beaudreau will share his professional experiences and offered advice and guidance to students and engage in a Q&A session.

Tommy Beaudreau

Tommy Beaudreau is co-chair of WilmerHale’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Native American Law Practices. Mr. Beaudreau focuses his practice on a broad range of areas including conventional and renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure projects; environmental regulatory, litigation and enforcement matters; crisis management and response; and Tribal matters. In addition, Mr. Beaudreau leads internal investigations and responses to government investigations and congressional oversight.

Mr. Beaudreau served in senior leadership roles in the United States Department of the Interior for nearly a decade across two administrations. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Secretary of the Interior after being confirmed by the US Senate in June 2021 by a vote of 88-9, reflecting his strong reputation as a bi-partisan problem solver. In this role, Mr. Beaudreau was point on the most pressing and high-profile matters before the Department, including energy development on public lands and waters, water infrastructure and delivery to address sustained drought in the American west, infrastructure permitting and critical minerals development, implementation of the historic investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and a broad range of priorities relative to Indian Country.

Mr. Beaudreau previously served for nearly seven years at the Department of the Interior (DOI) during the Obama Administration, including as the first director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, and chief of staff for the Interior Department.

He is a Distinguished ��ý�Ļ��Ʒing Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

The Schultz Lectureship in Energy

In 2007, the Schultz Lecture in Energy was launched to support an annual lecture by renowned scholars in energy or natural resources law. This series was made possible by the generosity of John H. and Cynthia H. Schultz and allows the Getches-Wilkinson Center (GWC) to bring in thought leaders from across the country. Our speakers address emerging issues and challenges in the oil and gas, energy, and natural resources fields, providing valuable information to policymakers, practitioners, business executives, students, and the academic community.

John Schultz (CU Econ, Political. Science ‘51) (CU Law ‘53) was an oil and gas attorney whose impactful career in Colorado and the Western U.S. spanned the second half of the 20th century. John Schultz passed away on April 5, 2020, surrounded by family in the comfort of his own home in Lafayette, Colorado. Cynthia Schultz was a University of Colorado administrative staff member who served the University in many ways. She was a member of the Graduate School Advisory Council, the Graduate School Resource Committee, and on the Ad Hoc Task Force on Graduate Education. Cynthia passed away on December 20, 2011. Both John’s and Cynthia’s generosity of time with our students was exceptional.

Their legacies continue, in part, through their substantial gifts to the University of Colorado, Colorado Law, and to the GWC where we are so appreciative of the Schultz family’s generosity. The family’s continued commitment means that this lecture can be free and open to the public. The format (normally) includes a public reception following the talk, providing the opportunity to continue a lively discussion, as well as a dinner with the speaker, the extended Schultz family, the Dean, GWC faculty, and several law students.

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GWC Scholarship and Fellowship Programs Lunch and Learn

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

GWC Scholarship and Fellowship Programs Lunch and Learn Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/27/2023 - 00:00

Over 40 CU Law students joined The Getches-Wilkinson Center on Thursday, October 26th for a delicious lunch and to hear from current GWC Scholar and Fellows. Information on the various scholarships and fellowships and instructions on how to apply for a Summer 2024 or Academic Year 24/25 Scholarship or Fellowship in Natural Resources, Public Lands and Water Law was shared.

Opportunities highlighted:

The Wyss Scholars Program for U.S. Lands Conservation

The Harrison Fellowship in International Water Law

The Charles N. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

New in 2023: Conscience Bay Company Western Water Policy Fellowship

RECORDING OF THE EVENT CAN BE FOUND HERE:

[video:https://youtu.be/pemOzqt6Odo]

Current CU Law students Adam Fischer, Ella Merrill and Sierra Meggitt shared their experiences obtaining funding to promote their future career interests.

Adam Fisher is this year’s Wyss Scholar. Fisher, a JD candidate, is Colorado Law's sixth Wyss Scholar. The Wyss Scholarship, given to one Colorado Law student each year, supports graduate-level education for promising leaders in Western land conservation. Recipients receive generous financial assistance to cover the full cost of one year of law school, as well as funds for internship opportunities, research assistance, and postgraduate support.

Ella Merrill, as a Harrison Fellow, partnered with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, to assist with and write about a series of cases that address the right to clean and accessible drinking water, guaranteed by the South African Constitution. One series of cases addresses decades of mismanagement of the country’s water and sanitation services system, and the numerous human rights fallouts that have resulted. Another series of cases focuses on the way water conservation efforts have led to the displacement of indigenous subsistence fishermen, including several fatal shootings by game rangers.

Sierra Meggitt, as the Charles N. Woodruff Fellow, worked with Western Resource Advocates and the Getches-Wilkinson Center’s Water Fellows on issues surrounding oil shale water rights in Colorado. Additionally, with assistance from the Sandgrund Environmental Law Fellowship, Sierra is worked with American Rivers, conducting research at the intersection of the Antiquities Act, river protection, and tribal co-management.

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15th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy

Anonymous — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

15th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/06/2023 - 00:00

The Getches-Wilkinson Center and American Indian Law Program co-hosted the 15th Annual Schultz Lecture: The Road to Tribal Clean Energy Transition is Paved With Sovereign Action.

On October 5, 2023, the Getches-Wilkinson Center was proud to co-host Pilar Thomas for the 15th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy in partnership with the American Indian Law Program. Entitled “The Road to Tribal Clean Energy Transition is Paved with Sovereign Action”, Pilar’s lecture provided a hopeful and practical view into Tribal development of renewable energy projects. Pilar is a partner with Quarles & Brady’s Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group, and she has a long track record of public service with the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, the Department of Justice, and as general counsel for numerous Tribes and related business entities.

Earlier in the day, GWC hosted a lunch and learn for the law students, and Pilar shared her professional experiences and offered advice and guidance to students who are interested in working with Tribes and promoting renewable energy. Almost 50 students turned out for the event, which included an interesting and engaging Q&A session.

Thank you to Pilar for sharing her wisdom and expertise with the Colorado Law School community! The Schultz Energy in Lecture was made possible by the generosity of John H. and Cynthia H. Schultz, and we are grateful for their family’s continued commitment to GWC and Colorado Law School.

Pilar Thomas
Partner
Quarles & Brady’s Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group

Thursday, October 5, 2023
5:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

The Road to Tribal Clean Energy Transition is Paved With Sovereign Actions

With records amount of federal funding, changing state policies, and new attention to indigenous equity issues, Indian tribes and tribal communities have new opportunities to equitably participate in clean energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Many challenges remain, including lack of internal capacity, lack of development support, and adverse state and utility polices. Some challenges though, tribes can resolve for themselves through the exercise of sovereign rights and authorities. This lecture will discuss these opportunities and challenges and the sovereign acts tribes can take to more fully participate in the clean energy transition for the benefit of their citizens.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y64Y7XuYXjU]

Student Q&A with Pilar Thomas

GWC hosted a lunch and learn for CU Law students, and Pilar shared her professional experiences and offered advice and guidance to students who are interested in working with Tribes and promoting renewable energy. Almost 50 students turned out for the event, which included an interesting and engaging Q&A session.

[video:https://youtu.be/ppiGdqDE1XA]

Pilar Thomas

Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui) is a partner in Quarles & Brady’s Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group. She focuses her practice on tribal renewable energy project development and finance, tribal economic development, federal Indian Law, and natural resource development. Pilar assists clients with strategic legal advice on tribal energy policy and planning; clean energy and infrastructure project development and finance; federal and state energy regulatory, programs, and policy efforts; and federal requirements for tribal lands development. She serves as general counsel for several tribes, Section 17 and tribal business entities.

Pilar previously served as the Deputy Director for the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs at the US Department of Energy, where she was responsible for developing and implementing policy and program efforts within the department and federal government to promote energy development, electrification, and infrastructure improvement on tribal lands. She also is the former Deputy Solicitor of Indian Affairs for the US Department of the Interior, where she advised the Secretary, Assistant-Secretary for Indian Affairs, and other Department officials on matters related to tribes, tribal law, and federal Indian law. Ms. Thomas was Of Counsel at Lewis Roca, representing tribes on gaming and economic development matters. She also served as the Interim Attorney General and Chief of Staff for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and was a trial attorney in the US Department of Justice, Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Indian Resources Section.

Pilar serves on the NABA-AZ Board and is a past President and Secretary. She also serves on the boards for GRID Alternatives and the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law. She previously served as the Chair and Vice-Chair at large for the ABA Section on Energy, Environment and Resources Native American Resources Committee. In her spare time, Pilar teaches Indian Energy Law at both the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and the University of Arizona James Rogers School of Law (but not at the same time).

She received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law, magna cum laude, with a certificate in Indian Law, and her B.A. in Economics from Stanford University.

The Schultz Lectureship in Energy

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14th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

14th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/15/2022 - 00:00

Tapestry, X’s Moonshot for the Electric Grid
Audrey Zibelman
Vice President, X’s Electric Grid Moonshot

Nations are finally committing to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets that could limit global warming. However, technical obstacles to the decarbonization of electric power could yet prevent those commitments from being realized.

The low carbon electrical grids of the future will need to be powered by millions of geographically decentralized, weather-dependent power generation assets. Today’s grids are virtually the opposite: hierarchical, centralized and concentrated. Anything less than a seamless transition from the former to the future state could significantly impact the reliability, affordability and safety of electric power that is already being challenged by climate change.

A modern data-driven grid can enable such a seamless transition. Harnessing the quadrillions of gigabytes of data generated by future connected power systems is key to real-time visibility into grid assets; to improving dispatch, reduced outages, and to our ability to simulate future scenarios optimized around the decentralized future grid.

Audrey Zibelman discusses the opportunities and challenges for governments, utilities, system operators, developers and customers of harnessing data to accelerate decarbonization policy with reliable affordable power.

14th Annual Schultz Le cture in Energy Video

CLE Accreditation Notice

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