Nakai of Lewis and Roca Appointed by Napolitano to Oil and Gas Commission

November 6, 2008

Lewis and Roca is pleased to announce that Governor Janet Napolitano has appointed Katosha Nakai to the Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. Nakai is an attorney in the firm’s Phoenix office and her term with the Commission will run until 2010.

Nakai’s practice focuses on government regulation, infrastructure and resource development. She regularly represents corporate, small business, tribal and non-profit interests, focusing primarily on matters relating to water, environmental, natural resources, mining, utility and gaming issues. With a breadth of experience in various specialty practices of the firm, Nakai counsels clients, assists with licensure and permitting issues, conducts and advises on environmental due diligence and related liability issues, leads and participates in negotiations, and researches, analyzes and drafts statutes, amendments rules and/or regulations.

The Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission works to regulate the drilling for and production of oil, gas, helium, carbon dioxide, and geothermal resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include reviewing applications for permits to drill, inspecting wells for compliance during drilling and after completion, monitoring oil, gas, geothermal, and helium drilling activities, compiling oil, gas, geothermal, and helium production statistics and providing information to the exploration and development communities and the public. The Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor and one ex-officio member, the State Land Commissioner.