On Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) adopted a new decision framework for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036 and simultaneously issued operating guidelines for 2027 and 2028 (Operating Guidelines). The actions are intended to replace the 2007 Interim Guidelines and other Colorado River water management agreements that expire at the end of 2026.

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Photo of Courtney M. Shephard Courtney M. Shephard

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

…

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 and permitting proceedings before the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management 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, buy/sell, change, and protect water rights through private transactions and Colorado water court proceedings.

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.

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Photo of Christopher Thorne Christopher Thorne

Chris Thorne represents energy companies, real estate developers, industrial water users, agricultural water users, and municipal water providers in virtually all types of water related transactions, and in litigation matters and related administrative proceedings involving the adjudication of water rights, changes of water…

Chris Thorne represents energy companies, real estate developers, industrial water users, agricultural water users, and municipal water providers in virtually all types of water related transactions, and in litigation matters and related administrative proceedings involving the adjudication of water rights, changes of water rights, complex plans for augmentation, and water rights disputes.

With more than two decades of experience in Western water law, Chris represents clients in virtually all types of commercial transactions involving water rights, including water supply agreements for energy generation and industrial projects (including oil and gas facilities); development of water supplies for residential and resort developments; and water rights acquisitions/leases. He also represents clients in state and federal courts, including in Colorado’s Water Courts, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court

Chris has wide-ranging experience litigating recreational water rights claims and advocating for his clients in legislative processes. Additionally, he advises on environmental compliance matters and environmental litigation under the Clean Water Act and other federal environmental programs.

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