FrackingInsider.com provides focused insight and analysis of key regulatory, legislative, legal, and economic developments related to the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the natural gas industry.

The United States is in the midst of a 21st century gold rush—a natural gas boom, driven in large part by the discovery of vast amounts of gas in unconventional plays. Recovery of gas in these often deep geologic formations typically requires the use of fracking, and has been made possible by new advances in technology. In recent months, a spotlight has been shone on the practice of fracking—which has been in use for more than 60 years—and it is quickly becoming one of the most highly visible and controversial environmental issues of the day. As the legal, regulatory, economic, and legislative landscape related to fracking receives national attention and becomes increasingly complex, FrackingInsider.com provides clients and interested parties with timely legal coverage of the most critical developments.

John Wittenborn specializes in environmental regulatory and litigation matters at the federal and state levels throughout the United States. Mr. Wittenborn has more than 30 years of experience providing a wide spectrum of strategic advice, counseling, and litigation services to individual corporate clients, major national trade associations, and government agencies. His work has included regulatory compliance and enforcement defense on behalf of several major oil companies on a variety of environmental issues pertaining to refinery and terminal operations. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Wittenborn served as assistant chief in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the United States Department of Justice, supervising all federal enforcement litigation in Regions I, II, and VI of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He also previously served as chief of the Environmental Law Division in the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force.

Bill Guerry focuses his practice on mobile source/engine emissions and renewable and alternative fuels. Mr Guerry created and serves as General Counsel of the Low Carbon Synthetic Fuels Association which represents Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) and Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) fuel and energy technology providers. For the last 25 years, Mr. Guerry has represented corporate clients and national trade associations on major environmental matters before the United States Congress, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy, the Texas and California Agencies that regulate air and energy issues, and the federal courts. For the last 10 years, Mr. Guerry has served as lead outside counsel on all legal issues to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which represents manufacturers of lawn and garden equipment and small engines.

Jon Cooperman is a member of the firm's litigation practice group. For the past 20+ years he has represented companies in environmental litigation, primarily defending claims for property damage, personal injuries and cost recovery actions. His work includes cases in a variety of Federal and State Courts involving the fate and transport of a number of different types of petroleum-based products and chlorinated solvents. Mr. Cooperman's work includes the defense of environmental class actions and multi-plaintiff disputes and he has handled both jury and non-jury environmental trials.

Dana Wood has been a public policy advocate for over two decades, representing client interests before the United States Congress and the Executive Branch, and developing and obtaining major policy initiatives in the areas of environment, energy, trade, healthcare, agriculture, and tax. Ms. Wood manages the advocacy efforts for leading manufacturing and service companies, in addition to advising and assisting numerous trade associations.

Dustin Painter represents clients’ legislative and policy interests before the United States Congress and federal administrative agencies. Mr. Painter provides a range of services to clients, including offering substantive legal analyses relevant to policymaking objectives; drafting legislation, committee report language, and witness statements; and advising clients on all aspects of federal policy strategy . He counsels clients on compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act, Federal Election Commission regulations and the patchwork of campaign finance state statutes and regulations, and he advocates for clients in all aspects of federal notice and comment rulemakings and administrative protest proceedings. Prior to joining Kelley Drye, Mr. Painter served in the office of former Congressman Robert T. Matsui of California.

Maggie Clarke monitors and researches federal policy, develops political strategies, and advocates for clients before Congress and the Executive Branch. Her focus areas include energy and environment, health care, and international trade. Ms. Clarke holds a master of public policy degree and previously served as a legislative assistant at the American Iron and Steel Institute, where she coordinated legislative activity surrounding the industry's manufacturing initiatives related to international trade and research and development.

Michele Gryga focuses on complex environmental, fisheries, and regulatory issues. Ms. Gryga draws upon her science background to develop sound strategies for her clients before state and federal agencies and legislative bodies. Prior to joining Kelley Drye, Ms. Gryga worked as in-house counsel for the Maine Lobstermen's Association where she spearheaded all regulatory issues at the state and federal level, including the New England Fisheries Management Council and the State of Maine Legislature.