Robert D. Comer

The vast and beautiful landscapes of Colorado are rich with natural resources, driving industries that are vital to both the state and national economies. However, the development and management of these resources are governed by an intricate web of federal, state, and tribal laws, making legal guidance absolutely essential. For businesses, developers, and government entities in the Colorado region navigating these complex regulations, having an attorney with deep, specialized expertise in natural resources, energy, and environmental law is critical. This article introduces you to Robert D. Comer, a distinguished Of Counsel attorney in Denver, renowned for his extensive experience and profound understanding of this highly specialized legal field.

Robert D. Comer is an esteemed Of Counsel attorney at Fennemore's Denver office, where he is a pivotal member of the firm's Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment practice group. With a career marked by senior leadership positions in both the federal government and private businesses, Bob, as he is known, brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to natural resource and environmental law. His practice is deeply focused on the development and management of mining, oil, gas, renewables, and water resources across federal, tribal, state, and private lands. Bob is particularly recognized for his unparalleled ability to design and implement effective legal and practical solutions to overcome complex project permitting and compliance challenges, making him an invaluable asset for clients throughout Colorado and beyond.

Robert D. Comer practices from the Fennemore office conveniently located at 1707 Lincoln St Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80203, USA. This prime address in downtown Denver ensures excellent accessibility for clients situated across the Denver metropolitan area and the wider Colorado region. The building's central location benefits from robust public transportation options, including numerous RTD bus routes and nearby light rail stations, facilitating easy travel for clients. For those arriving by car, ample parking garages and street parking are available in the immediate vicinity, making visits to the office straightforward and convenient. This accessibility underscores Mr. Comer's commitment to being readily available to serve the sophisticated legal needs of industries and organizations operating within Colorado’s natural resource sectors.

Robert D. Comer’s practice encompasses a wide and highly specialized range of legal services within natural resources, energy, and environmental law. His expertise is crucial for clients navigating the complex regulatory and permitting landscapes:

• Mining Law and Mineral Leasing: Providing comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of mining operations, including permitting, compliance, and mineral leasing on various land types.
• Oil, Gas, and Renewables Development: Counseling on the legal frameworks surrounding the exploration, extraction, and development of oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.
• Water Law: Addressing legal issues related to water rights, quality, and access for resource development projects.
• Public Land Management: Expertise in navigating the complex regulations governing land use and resource development on federal and state public lands.
• Sensitive Resource Protection: Specializing in legal matters involving endangered species, wetlands, cultural resources, and Native American law, ensuring projects comply with protective regulations.
• Environmental Compliance and Permitting: Designing and implementing effective strategies to meet environmental regulations and secure necessary permits for complex projects.
• Tribal and Native American Law: Providing counsel on sensitive resource issues involving tribal concerns and Native American rights, crucial for projects impacting tribal lands.
• Energy Transmission: Addressing legal aspects related to the development and regulation of energy transmission infrastructure.
• Federal Land Exchanges and Rights of Way: Assisting clients with the legal processes involved in federal land exchanges and securing rights of way.
• Wilderness and Conservation Issues: Counseling on legal matters pertaining to wilderness areas and other conservation-focused initiatives.
• Government Relations and Testimony: Possessing experience testifying before the U.S. Congress on matters such as the Mining Law, and counseling industry and government executives on sensitive resource issues.
• Equator Principles Compliance: Expertise in preparing Justified Deviations under the Equator Principles (version 4), demonstrating a commitment to responsible financing for projects.
• Superfund/NRD Properties: Experience managing legal responsibility for numerous Superfund and Natural Resource Damages (NRD) properties.

Robert D. Comer possesses a distinguished set of features and highlights that underscore his suitability for complex legal matters in Colorado:

• Extensive Government and Corporate Experience: Bob's career includes senior leadership roles with the U.S. Department of the Interior (serving as Associate Solicitor and Rocky Mountain Regional Solicitor), as well as General Counsel for a dual-listed gold company and Associate General Counsel for a Fortune 500 mining company. This unique background provides unparalleled insight into both regulatory and industry perspectives.
• Renowned Expertise in Natural Resources and Environmental Law: He is widely recognized as a leading authority in mining law, mineral leasing, and natural resource permitting and compliance, with deep knowledge across oil, gas, renewables, and water.
• Strategic Problem Solver: Known for his ability to "design and implement effective legal and practical solutions to overcome project permitting and compliance challenges," he helps clients navigate and resolve complex hurdles.
• Awards and Recognition: Bob has been recognized in "Best Lawyers in America®" for Mining Law and Natural Resources Law in both 2024 and 2025, a testament to his consistent excellence and peer recognition.
• Academic and Professional Leadership: With a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law and an M.F.S. from Yale University, coupled with leadership roles in the American Bar Association (former Chair of various committees) and the Colorado Mining Association, his academic and professional credentials are top-tier.
• Commitment to Sustainable Development: His work with Fennemore's natural resources team at "this critical time for sustainable development in the American west" highlights his dedication to forward-thinking legal solutions that balance development with environmental stewardship.
• Expertise in Sensitive Resource Protection: His particular expertise in endangered species, wetlands, cultural resources, and Native American law demonstrates a nuanced understanding of environmental and cultural considerations.
• Regulatory Acumen: His experience directing legal strategy nationwide on energy and land use matters while at the Department of the Interior, and leading active NEPA and energy litigation portfolios, showcases profound regulatory insight.

Specific promotions or special offers are not publicly detailed for Robert D. Comer. However, for a lawyer of his caliber and specialization in complex legal areas such as natural resources and environmental law, it is customary to arrange an initial consultation. This allows prospective clients in Colorado to engage directly, discuss their specific project or challenge, and ascertain how Mr. Comer’s deep expertise and strategic approach can be leveraged to their advantage, often without an immediate financial commitment. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Fennemore’s Denver office directly to inquire about their consultation policies or any available arrangements for new clients.

For businesses, developers, and governmental entities in Colorado seeking highly specialized legal counsel in natural resources, energy, and environmental law, Robert D. Comer can be reached via the following contact details:

Address: 1707 Lincoln St Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80203, USA

Phone: (303) 764-3708

Mobile Phone: +1 303-764-3708

For entities and individuals in the Colorado region operating within the natural resources, energy, and environmental sectors, Robert D. Comer stands as an unparalleled legal resource. His unique background, encompassing significant leadership roles within the federal government and prominent corporations, provides him with an intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in these industries. This dual perspective allows him to craft legal strategies that are not only compliant but also practical and effective in advancing client objectives. His recognized expertise in complex permitting, public land management, and sensitive resource protection directly addresses the critical needs of local Colorado businesses and developers. With his office conveniently located in downtown Denver, accessing his profound knowledge and strategic guidance is straightforward for clients across the state. When your project demands an attorney who can navigate the most intricate natural resource and environmental legal landscapes, Robert D. Comer offers the experience, insight, and strategic acumen that is perfectly suited to serve the Colorado community.