Shake Up at DOJ Energy and Natural Resources Division
June 9, 2025
OPA 90 Forum Newsletter
Types : Bylined Articles
In a Memorandum dated March 25, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Bianche, announced a sweeping reorganization at the U.S. Department of Justice. This included a major reorganization of the DOJ’s of Energy and Natural Resources Division (“ENRD”), such as termination of senior career attorneys, reassignment of others to the Office of Sanctuary Cities, consolidation of various sections within the ERND and eliminating certain field offices. Some career managers have resigned rather than accept reassignment.
All pending litigation or settlements being handled by the ENRD have been paused. The pause is temporary, but for how long is unknown. This is regrettable, because in a major incident we are handling we were making some headway on a settlement, but negotiations have come to an abrupt halt.
The intention for the pause is unclear, but it appears to be to allow incoming ENRD attorneys and staff time to familiarize themselves on pending matters to allow for potential change in course, or on specific cases.