Energy and natural resources law includes a broad range of legal issues related to natural resources; their use as a source of energy; and their use in many important products and materials.

Examples of natural resources include oil (petroleum), natural gas, minerals, solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass, electric, hydrogen and fuel cells, nuclear, trees, cotton, coal, iron ore, gold, copper, manganese, bauxite ore, cobalt, platinum, chromium, and diamonds.

As with other legal topics, some legal issues related to energy and natural resources law may also be categorized under another legal topic name, such as environmental law, water law, or oil, gas, and minerals law, for example.

In Montana (MT), energy and natural resources law encompasses a variety of statutes and regulations that govern the extraction, production, and use of natural resources. This includes the management of oil, gas, coal, and other minerals, as well as renewable resources like wind and solar energy. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is a key agency that oversees water rights, mining, and the management of state trust lands, which are used for resource extraction and conservation purposes. Additionally, the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation regulates the oil and gas industry, including permitting for drilling activities and ensuring environmental protections are in place. Environmental considerations are also addressed through the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), which requires state agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions. Water law is particularly important in Montana, with the Montana Water Use Act governing water rights and the legal framework for water usage. The state also has specific laws related to coal and hard rock mining, reclamation, and the management of hazardous wastes. Federal laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, also apply and are enforced in conjunction with state regulations.