John A. Kolanz, Esq.

John A. Kolanz, Partner

John Kolanz brings over 30 years of practice experience in environmental and natural resource law to Otis & Bedingfield, LLC.  John spent the first eight years of his career in a large law firm setting.  There he was part of a sophisticated environmental and natural resource practice where he counseled corporate clients on a broad range of regulatory compliance and permitting issues arising out of business operations, enforcement activities, and real estate transactions.

After leaving the large firm to come to Colorado, John worked as in-house counsel for the City of Greeley, where he continued his focus on environmental and natural resource issues.  While at the City of Greeley, John established the Environmental and Water Resources Practice Group, which provides specialized in-house legal counsel to the Greeley Water and Sewer Department and its appointed board.  John’s work for the City of Greeley included leading environmental permitting efforts on large water infrastructure projects.

John currently serves on the South Platte Basin Roundtable as a legislative appointee.  The roundtables were established in 2005 by the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act to facilitate discussions on water management issues and to encourage locally driven collaborative solutions to pressing water resource issues, including meeting future demand.  John also sits on the Board of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, which advocates for business interests in state and federal policy, legislation, and regulatory development.

John helps businesses, municipalities, non-profits, and individuals navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve their goals in a timely, efficient, and responsible manner.  He has significant practice experience in virtually all the major environmental and natural resource statutory programs, including those addressing water quality, wetlands, drinking water, air quality, endangered species, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, toxic substances, asbestos, and federal lands. John’s approach is to understand the goals of his client, and to help develop a strategy to achieve those goals.

The regulatory landscape is fluid, and can present a confusing mix of federal, state, and local requirements.  Regulated entities must satisfy not only existing obligations, but also anticipate the impact of future requirements on their operations.  Otis & Bedingfield, LLC can help you minimize exposure in transactions involving contaminated property, defend environmental enforcement matters, obtain environmental permits and authorizations, complete environmental cleanups, understand the regulatory implications of a business expansion or capital project, and stay abreast of regulatory developments crucial to your operations.

John received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky, with a minor in agricultural economics.  He then went on to graduate in the top 15% of his class at the University of Kentucky College of Law.  A resident of Colorado since 1997, John and his family enjoy the Colorado outdoors and are all avid skiers, hikers, and fly fishermen.

Practice Areas for John A. Kolanz, Esq.

• Environmental Law
  • Natural Resource Law
  • Regulatory Compliance/Permitting