Bret Sparks practices in the areas of government relations and public policy, litigation, environmental law, and animal and natural resources law. His practice involves a multi-disciplinary approach, utilizing the legislative, regulatory, and litigation procedures available to generate positive outcomes for his clients.
Bret’s experience includes legislative and regulatory counseling and advocacy before members and staff of the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, and various administrative agencies including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the State Department. Bret has also litigated several issues pertaining to natural resources, environmental, and energy law in the D.C. District Court, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California as pro hac vice.
Prior to joining Kelley Drye, Bret was a NOAA Sea Grant Fellow for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), where he managed legislative priorities for the Senator’s oceans, fisheries, energy, science, and environment portfolio. He drafted and negotiated legislative text with other Congressional offices to advance legislative priorities of the Senator, and guided three separate bills involving fisheries and ocean technology into law.
From his time on the Hill, Bret developed lasting relationships with Congressional offices and agency officials. These connections have proven invaluable in fulfilling his clients’ needs at the federal level.
Obtained a preliminary injunction against California Penal Code § 653o(b), which would have banned trade in all alligator and crocodile parts and products throughout the state.
Qualified Louisiana shrimp processors for USDA’s Section 32 commodity purchase program.
Counsels luxury apparel producers, manufacturers, and retailers through state legislation and regulatory hurdles that attempt to restrict trade in such goods.
Secured waivers from the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration for commercial fishing vessels to continue operations in federal waters.
Helped lead three bills, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Act of 2017, the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act, and the Maritime SAFE Act, from introduction into law.
ABA’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, programs vice-chair
About
Bret Sparks practices in the areas of government relations and public policy, litigation, environmental law, and animal and natural resources law. His practice involves a multi-disciplinary approach, utilizing the legislative, regulatory, and litigation procedures available to generate positive outcomes for his clients.
Bret’s experience includes legislative and regulatory counseling and advocacy before members and staff of the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, and various administrative agencies including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the State Department. Bret has also litigated several issues pertaining to natural resources, environmental, and energy law in the D.C. District Court, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California as pro hac vice.
Prior to joining Kelley Drye, Bret was a NOAA Sea Grant Fellow for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), where he managed legislative priorities for the Senator’s oceans, fisheries, energy, science, and environment portfolio. He drafted and negotiated legislative text with other Congressional offices to advance legislative priorities of the Senator, and guided three separate bills involving fisheries and ocean technology into law.
From his time on the Hill, Bret developed lasting relationships with Congressional offices and agency officials. These connections have proven invaluable in fulfilling his clients’ needs at the federal level.
Experience
Obtained a preliminary injunction against California Penal Code § 653o(b), which would have banned trade in all alligator and crocodile parts and products throughout the state.
Qualified Louisiana shrimp processors for USDA’s Section 32 commodity purchase program.
Counsels luxury apparel producers, manufacturers, and retailers through state legislation and regulatory hurdles that attempt to restrict trade in such goods.
Secured waivers from the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration for commercial fishing vessels to continue operations in federal waters.
Helped lead three bills, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Act of 2017, the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act, and the Maritime SAFE Act, from introduction into law.
Memberships
ABA’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, programs vice-chair
Practices