Karen K. Billups

Affordable energy is the foundation of our economy and the lifeblood of the modern technological revolution.  Constantly evolving technology for the production, distribution and consumption of energy alters the landscape of our economy, often in ways that were previously thought impossible. At the same time, environmental requirements are constantly evolving and tightening. I’ve found that ensuring that our nation’s laws and regulations are relevant to the reality of energy and natural resource production on the ground, and allow for the production of the abundant, clean and affordable energy that keeps our economy moving, is a continuing, and ever-changing challenge. It is exciting to know that I will never run out of new things to learn and new problems to solve. 

During my time on Capitol Hill, I found that my experiences in the private sector, as a practicing lawyer and working for a corporation, were essential to understanding how legislation and regulations would impact those who would be affected. As I come full circle back to private firm practice, my tenure working for the government gives me insight into not only the parliamentary process, but the thought processes of those whose job it is to write the laws and regulations. Because I know what obstacles they face, as well as what success looks like to decision makers, I can advise my clients on the most effective and efficient way to obtain their own goals.

Low energy and resource prices have resulted in a challenging economic environment for energy and natural resource producers.  In many cases, the application of government laws and regulations is exacerbating those challenges and producing unanticipated, and undesired, results. The geographic and technological complexities of these markets don’t lend themselves to one-size-fits-all solutions, but one can learn from the experiences – good or bad – of others.  I look forward working with clients to ensure that we learn from experience, and our nation’s laws and regulations achieve their goals in the most fair, efficient and effective manner possible.  

In the world of energy, natural resource and environmental technology, the only thing that can be predicted with any assurance is change.  A decade ago, the boom in U.S. oil and gas production that resulted from the fracking revolution was unthinkable. It is not clear what the next big breakthrough will be, or when it will happen, but happen it will. The result will be changed markets, and, in response, laws and regulations. One of the most important factors to success in this area of business or law will be flexibility.  Our mission is to ensure that the client is successful in today’s market, but is in a position to adapt to changing conditions.