Businesses operating in regulated industries often face complex interactions with state agencies. Whether you need to influence rulemaking, respond to an enforcement action, or challenge a permit decision, experienced regulatory counsel can make the difference between costly delays and a successful outcome.

Mark Robinette represents businesses, landowners, contractors, and industry groups in regulatory advocacy and administrative litigation before Arkansas state agencies, including the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission.

With experience both inside government and as counsel to private industry, Mark understands how regulatory decisions are actually made—and how to effectively advocate for clients navigating the process.

Experience in Arkansas Regulatory Law

Mark Robinette brings nearly two decades of experience dealing with regulatory agencies in Arkansas.

His experience includes:

• Former attorney for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment
• General counsel to a large land services company operating in heavily regulated industries
• Extensive experience analyzing and responding to proposed regulations
• Drafting formal comments during notice-and-comment rulemaking
• Appearing at agency meetings and public hearings
• Negotiating consent administrative orders and enforcement resolutions
• Litigating contested administrative hearings

This background provides clients with a strategic advantage when navigating regulatory processes.

Regulatory Advocacy and Rulemaking

Regulatory rules are often shaped by those who participate early in the process.

Mark assists companies, trade associations, and industry groups with:

• Drafting formal comments on proposed regulations
• Monitoring and analyzing proposed agency rule changes
• Representing stakeholders at rulemaking hearings
• Presenting industry perspectives to agency officials
• Coordinating multi-party industry responses to proposed regulations

For industries affected by environmental regulation, energy policy, or infrastructure development, participating in rulemaking can significantly impact compliance costs and operational flexibility.

Enforcement Defense & Notice of Violation Representation

Regulatory enforcement actions can expose businesses to significant penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational risk.

Mark represents clients responding to:

• Notices of Violation (NOVs)
• Administrative enforcement actions
• Civil penalties and compliance orders
• Alleged environmental violations
• Agency investigations and enforcement inquiries

Common agencies involved include:

• Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment
• Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission

In many cases, enforcement matters can be resolved through negotiated consent administrative orders, avoiding costly litigation while protecting the client’s operational interests.

Administrative Litigation & Contested Permit Hearings

Some regulatory disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation and require formal administrative litigation.

Mark represents clients in contested agency proceedings, including disputes involving:

• Air permits for industrial facilities
• Landfill permits and solid waste facility approvals
• Environmental permitting for energy infrastructure
• Pipeline and energy project permitting
• Backup generator permits associated with large data centers
• Waste handling and disposal permits

These proceedings often involve technical evidence, expert testimony, and complex regulatory frameworks, requiring counsel familiar with both the legal and policy aspects of the permitting process.

Occupational Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

Many Arkansas businesses operate under occupational licenses issued by regulatory agencies. These licenses are often essential to continuing operations.

Mark assists clients with:

• Applications for regulatory licenses
• Defense of license suspensions or revocations
• Regulatory compliance matters
• Agency disciplinary proceedings
• Administrative appeals involving licensing decisions

Examples of regulated activities include:

• Hazardous waste transportation
• Underground petroleum storage tank contractors
• Fuel dispenser installation contractors
• Asbestos remediation and abatement
• Environmental services providers

When licensing disputes arise, effective advocacy can help protect a business’s ability to continue operating.

Strategic Regulatory Counsel

Regulatory issues often intersect with broader business decisions, infrastructure projects, and public policy debates.

Mark works with clients to develop practical strategies that combine legal advocacy with regulatory insight, helping them navigate complex agency processes while protecting long-term business objectives.