UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Constellation Energy Partners LLC

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

  

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

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JOHN R. COLLINSConstellation Energy Partners LLC
Chairman of the Board100 Constellation Way
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Constellation Energy Partners LLC

100 Constellation Way1801 Main Street, Suite 1300

Baltimore, MD 21202Houston, Texas 77002

September 26, 200812, 2011

Dear Unitholder:

You are invited to attend our annual meeting of common unitholders to be held on Monday, November 3, 2008,October 24, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. local time at the Doubletree Hotel, Austin Room, 400 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77002. Enclosed is our 20072010 Annual Report for your review.

At the annual meeting, common unitholders will be voting on the following business matters: the election of Class B managers and the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm for 2008.2011. In addition, if properly presented at the meeting, a unitholder proposal will also be considered. The Class A unitholders will be voting only on the second and third proposals. Please consider the issues presented and vote your common units as promptly as possible.

We are pleased to be using the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to unitholders over the Internet. We believe that this process expedites our unitholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lowers the costs of distribution and reduces the environmental impact of printing and distributing proxy materials.

In accordance with this rule, we are mailing to our unitholders an Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our 2010 Annual Report. The Notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet. The Notice also contains instructions on how to request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement and a form of proxy card and our 2010 Annual Report. All unitholders who do not receive a Notice will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please complete your proxy card and return it to us to ensure that your vote is counted. If you hold your units through an account with a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, please follow the instructions you receive from them to vote your units.

Thank you for your continued support of Constellation Energy Partners.

Sincerely,

LOGOLOGO

John R. Collins

Chairman of the Board


Constellation Energy Partners LLC

100 Constellation Way1801 Main Street, Suite 1300

Baltimore, MD 21202Houston, Texas 77002

Notice of Annual Meeting of Common Unitholders

To the Owners of Common Units and Class A Units of

Constellation Energy Partners LLC:

Our annual meeting of common unitholders will be held onMonday, November 3, 2008October 24, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. local time at the Doubletree Hotel, Austin Room, 400 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77002 to:

 

 1.electselect Class B managers;

 

 2.ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2008;2011;

3.consider a unitholder proposal, if properly presented at the annual meeting; and

 

 3.4.transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof.

The board of managers recommends a vote “FOR”FOR each of the Class B manager nominees and the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm.firm and “AGAINST” the unitholder proposal regarding distributions.

We discuss the above business matters in more detail in the attached Proxy Statement.

Only holders of record of our common units and Class A units at the close of business on September 12, 2008August 31, 2011 will be entitled to vote.

LOGOLOGO

SeanLisa J. KleinMellencamp

Secretary

September 26, 200812, 2011

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the Common Unitholder Meeting to Be Held on November 3, 2008:October 24, 2011:

The Proxy Statement and 20072010 Annual Report are available at

www.constellationenergypartners.com/proxymaterials


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   Page

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON VOTING PROCEDURES

  1

MATTERS YOU ARE VOTING ON

  35

Proposal No. 1: Election of Class B Managers

  35

Proposal No. 2: Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 20082011

  35

Proposal No. 3: Unitholder Proposal Regarding Distributions

5

Other Business Matters

  35

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF CLASS B MANAGERS

  46

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Managers

6

Class B Manager Nominees

  46

Managers Designated by the Class A Unitholder

  5

Required Vote; Recommendation of the Board of Managers

7
  5

Determination of Independence

  68

Corporate Governance

  610

Committees of the Board of Managers

  711

Executive Officers

  813

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

  913

Nominations for Manager

  913

Unitholder Communications

  914

Related Person Transactions

  1014

Audit Committee Report

  1618

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

  17

Executive Compensation

18
  19

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change Inin Control

  1927

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

  1928

Compensation of Managers

  2036

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

  2137

Compensation Committee Report

  2237

PROPOSAL NO. 2: RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20082011

  2338

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Managers

  23

Fees

38
  23

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Practices

  2438

PROPOSAL NO. 3: UNITHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING DISTRIBUTIONS

40

Unitholder Resolution

40

Supporting Statement of Unitholder

40

Recommendation of the Board of Managers

41

Vote Required

41

SUBMISSION OF UNITHOLDER PROPOSALS AND MANAGER NOMINATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR

  2541

Proposals for 20092012 Annual Meeting

  2541

Nominations for 20092012 Annual Meeting and for Any Special Meeting

  2542

HOUSEHOLDING MATTERS

43


Constellation Energy Partners LLC

Proxy Statement

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON VOTING PROCEDURES

Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting, and how many votes do they have?

HoldersWith respect to Proposals Nos. 1, 2 and 3, holders of record of our common, or Class B, units who owned common units as of the close of business on September 12, 2008August 31, 2011 may vote at the meeting. Each common unit has one vote. There were 21,938,34223,768,193 common units outstanding and eligible to vote on that date. With respect to Proposals Nos. 2 and 3, holders of record of our Class A units who owned Class A units as of the close of business on August 31, 2011 may vote at the meeting. Each Class A unit has one vote. There were 485,065 Class A units outstanding and eligible to vote on that date. The Class A units may not be voted in respect of Proposal No. 1.

When were the enclosed solicitation materials first given to unitholders?

The enclosed Annual Report and proxy card, together with the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, were first sent, or given, to unitholders on or about September 26, 2008.12, 2011.

Why did I receive a Notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials this year instead of a full set of proxy materials?

This year, in connection with SEC rules that allow companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet, we have sent to our unitholders an Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a paper copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, unitholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by e-mail on an ongoing basis. A unitholder’s election to receive proxy materials by mail or e-mail will remain in effect until the unitholder terminates the election.

Can I vote my shares by filling out and returning the Notice?

No. The Notice will, however, provide instructions on how to vote by the Internet or by telephone, by requesting and returning a paper proxy card, or by submitting a ballot in person at the annual meeting.

How can I access the proxy materials over the Internet?

You can view the proxy materials for the annual meeting on the Internet by using your control number which is listed on your Notice. If you received a paper copy of your proxy materials, your control number can be found on your proxy card or voting instruction form.

Our proxy materials are also available on our website atwww.constellationenergypartners.com.

What is a quorum of unitholders?

A quorum is the presence at the annual meeting in person or by proxy of unitholders entitled to cast a majority of all the voteseach class of unitholders then outstanding and entitled to be cast.vote. Since there were 21,938,34223,768,193 common units outstanding and eligible to vote on September 12, 2008,August 31, 2011, the presence of holders of 10,962,17211,884,098 common units is a quorum.quorum with respect to the common units. Since there were 485,065 Class A units outstanding and eligible to vote on August 31, 2011, the presence of holders of 242,534 Class A units is a quorum with respect to the Class A units. We must have a quorum of both the common units and the Class A units to conduct the meeting.

How many votes does it take to pass each matter?

If a quorum of unitholders is present at the meeting, we need:

 

a plurality of all the votes cast by holders of common units to elect each Class B manager nominee; and

 

a majority of all the votes cast by holders of common units and Class A units to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.firm and

a majority of all the votes cast by holders of common units and Class A units to approve the unitholder proposal.

How are abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

Abstentions and broker non-votes count for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. “Broker non-votes” occur when a bank, broker or other holder of record holding units for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because that holder does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. For all matters, abstentions and broker non-votes will not have any effect on the result of the vote.

How do I vote?

You must be present,may vote by any of the following methods:

By Telephone or Internet—If you have telephone or Internet access, you may submit your proxy vote by following the instructions provided in the Notice or on your proxy card or voting instruction form.

By Mail—You may submit your proxy vote by mail by signing a proxy card if your units are registered or, for units held beneficially in street name, by following the voting instructions included by your broker, trustee or nominee, and mailing it in the enclosed envelope. If you provide specific voting instructions, your units will be voted as you have instructed.

In Person at the Annual Meeting—If your units are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered, with respect to those units, the unitholder of record. As the unitholder of record, you have the right to vote in person at the annual meeting. If your units are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee or trustee, you are considered the beneficial owner of units held in street name. As the beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the annual meeting. Since a beneficial owner is not the unitholder of record, you may not vote these units in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker, trustee or nominee that holds your units, giving you the right to vote the units at the annual meeting. If you plan on attending the annual meeting in person and need directions to the meeting site, please contact Investor Relations at (877) 847-0009.

If I vote by telephone or represented byInternet and received a proxy atcard in the annual meeting in ordermail, do I need to vote your units. Since many of our common unitholders are unable to attend the meeting in person, we sendreturn my proxy cards to all of our common unitholders. If you plan on attending the annual meeting in person and need directions to the meeting site, please contact Investor Relations at (410) 470-5619.card?

No.

If my units are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my units for me?

If your units are held in a brokerage account, you will receive a full meeting package including a voting instructions form to vote your units. Your brokerage firm may permit you to provide voting instructions by telephone or by the Internet. Brokerage firms have the authority under NYSE Arca rules to vote their clients’ unvoted units on certain routine matters. The mattersmatter covered by each proposal areProposal No. 2 to ratify the appointment of our auditor is considered a routine mattersmatter under the rules of the NYSE Arca. Therefore, if you do not vote on eitherthis proposal, your brokerage firm may choose to vote for you or leave your units unvoted. Your brokerage firm is

not permitted, however, to vote your units on Proposal No. 1 to elect Class B manager nominees or Proposal No. 3 with respect to the unitholder proposal. We urge you to respond to your brokerage firm so that your vote will be cast in accordance with your instructions.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is another person you authorize to vote on your behalf. We solicit proxy cards that are used to instruct the proxy how to vote so that all common units may be voted at the annual meeting even if the holders do not attend the meeting.

How will my proxy vote my units?

If you properly sign and return your proxy card or voting instructions form, your units will be voted as you direct. If you sign and return your proxy card or voting instructions form, but do not specify how you want your units voted, they will be voted “FOR”FOR the election of each Class B manager nominee, and “FOR”FOR the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm.firm and “AGAINST” the unitholder proposal. Also, you will give your proxies authority to vote, using their discretion, on any other business that properly comes before the meeting, including to adjourn the meeting.

How do I vote using my proxy card?

There are three steps.

 

 1.Vote on each of the matters as follows:

 

Item 1Proposal No. 1.. The names of the Class B manager nominees are listed on your proxy card. Check the box “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” for each nominee; and

 

Item 2Proposal No. 2.. Check the box “FOR,“FOR” or “AGAINST, or “ABSTAIN” (to cast no vote).

Proposal No. 3. Check the box “FOR” or “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” (to cast no vote).

 

 2.Sign and date your proxy card.If you do not sign and date your proxy card, your votes cannot be counted.

 

 3.Mail your proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope.

Please check the box on your proxy card if you plan to attend the annual meeting.

Can I vote by proxy even if I plan to attend the annual meeting?

Yes. If you vote by proxy and decide to attend the annual meeting, you do not need to fill out a ballot at the meeting, unless you want to change your vote.

Why might I receive more than one proxy card? Should I vote on each proxy card I receive?

First, you may have various accounts with us that are registered differently, perhaps in different names or with different social security or federal tax identification numbers. Second, you may also own units indirectly through your broker. Your broker will send you a proxy card or voting instructions form for these units. You should vote on each proxy card or voting instructions form you receive and mail it to the address shown on the proxy card or form.

How do I change my vote?vote or revoke my proxy?

You may change your vote at any time before the annual meeting by:

 

notifying SeanLisa J. Klein,Mellencamp, Secretary, in writing at One Allen Center, 500 DallasConstellation Energy Partners LLC, 1801 Main Street, Suite 3300,1300, Houston, Texas 77002, that you are changing your vote;vote or revoking your proxy; or

completing and sending in another proxy card or voting instructions form with a later date; or

 

attending the annual meeting and voting in person.

Who is soliciting my proxy, how is it being solicited, and who pays the cost?

Constellation Energy Partners LLC on behalf of the board of managers, through its managers, officers and employees, is soliciting proxies primarily by mail. However, proxies may also be solicited in person, by telephone or facsimile. We pay the cost of soliciting proxies.

Where will the Constellation Energy Partners LLC 2011 Annual Meeting be held?

The annual meeting will be held on Monday, October 24th at 8:00 a.m. local time in downtown Houston, Texas at 1801 Main Street, Suite 1300. The building is located on Main Street between St. Joseph Parkway and Jefferson Street. The public entrance faces St. Joseph Parkway where you must check-in with the security desk. Parking is available in public lots surrounding our offices. Directions from major freeways include:

From IH-45 North—Exit Dallas/Pierce, continue on the exit ramp past the re-entry to IH-45 South. Keep left onto Jefferson Street. We are located at Jefferson Street and Main Street.

From IH-45 South—Exit Scott Street, keep left and follow signs for St. Joseph Parkway/Pease Street, keep left and proceed onto St. Joseph Parkway. We are located at St. Joseph Parkway and Main Street.

From US-59 North—Exit IH-10 West. Exit IH-45 South. Exit Dallas/Pierce and continue on the exit ramp past the re-entry to IH-45 South. Keep left onto Jefferson Street. We are located at Jefferson Street and Main Street.

From US-59 South—Exit Gray/Pierce and continue straight past Pierce Street. Turn left on St. Joseph Parkway. We are located at St. Joseph Parkway and Main Street.

From IH-10 West—Exit Smith Street and continue through downtown and turn left on Jefferson Street. We are located at Jefferson Street and Main Street.

From IH-10 East—Exit IH-45 South. Exit Dallas/Pierce and continue on the exit ramp past the re-entry to IH-45 South. Keep left onto Jefferson Street. We are located at Jefferson Street and Main Street.

Public Transportation—Use MetroRail Red Line—Downtown Transit Center. We are located across from the station.

MATTERS YOU ARE VOTING ON

Proposal No. 1: Election of Class B Managers

The board of managers consists of two Class A managers, who are elected by the Class A unitholder, and three Class B managers, who are elected by the common unitholders. Each of the three current Class B managers has been nominated by the board of managers for election as a Class B manager at the 20082011 annual meeting to serve until the 20092012 annual meeting of common unitholders or until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Each of the nominated Class B managers agrees to serve if elected. However, if for some reason one of them is unable to serve or for good cause will notunwilling to serve, your proxies will vote for the election of another person nominated by the board of managers. Biographical information for each of the nominees and other information about them is presented beginning on page 4.6.The board of managers recommends a vote “FOR”FOR each Class B manager nominee.

Proposal No. 2: Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 20082011

This proposal is to ratify our appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2008.2011. See Proposal No. 2 on page 23.38.The board of managers recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.FOR” Proposal No. 2.

Proposal No. 3: Unitholder Proposal Regarding Distributions

This proposal is to request the board of managers to resume paying quarterly cash distributions of an appropriate amount relative to members’ equity. See Proposal No. 3 on page 40.The board of managers recommends a vote “AGAINST” Proposal No. 3.

Other Business Matters

The board of managers is not aware of any other business for the annual meeting. However:

 

if any of the persons nominated to serve as Class B managers are unable to serve or for good cause will notunwilling to serve and the board of managers designates a substitute nominee,nominee;

 

if any unitholders’ proposal, which is not in this proxy statement or on the proxy card or voting instructions form pursuant to Rule 14a-8 or 14a-9 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is presented for action at the meeting, or

 

if any matters concerning the conduct of the meeting are presented for action,

then unitholders present at the meeting may vote on such items. If you are represented by proxy, your proxy will vote your common units using his or her discretion.

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF CLASS B MANAGERS

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Managers

Class B managers are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by common unitholders, assuming a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on this proposal, except they will be counted as having been present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT UNITHOLDERS VOTEFORTHE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS’ CLASS B MANAGER NOMINEES. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN PROXY CARDS, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE UNITSFOR EACH OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS’ NOMINEES.

Class B managers are elected each year at the Annual Meeting of Common Unitholders. All three of our current Class B members have been nominated to stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, our common unitholders will consider and act upon a proposal to elect three Class B managers to our board of managers to serve until the 2012 Annual Meeting of Unitholders. We encourage our manager nominees to attend our annual meetings to provide an opportunity for unitholders to communicate directly with managers about issues affecting our company. We anticipate that all manager nominees will attend the Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting, our common unitholders will consider and act upon a proposal to elect three Class B managers to our board of managers to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Common Unitholders. The persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy card, who have been designated by our board of managers, intend to voteFOR the election of the manager nominees unless otherwise instructed by a unitholder in a proxy card.

Information concerning the three Class B manager nominees is set forth below. Each of the nominees has consented to be named in the proxy statement.

Class B Manager Nominees

 

Name

  Age  

Position with Our Company

  Manager
Since
  Age   

Position with Our Company

  Manager
Since
 

Richard H. Bachmann

  55  Independent Manager  2006   58    Independent Manager   2006  

Richard S. Langdon

  58  Independent Manager  2006   61    Independent Manager   2006  

John N. Seitz

  56  Independent Manager  2006   59    Independent Manager   2006  

Richard H. Bachmann is ahas been an independent member of our board of managers and our audit, compensation, conflicts, and nominating and governance committees and is the chairmanchair of our conflicts committee.committee since November 2006. Mr. Bachmann joined EPCO Inc.,the general partner (the “General Partner”) of Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (“Enterprise”) and Enterprise Products Company, a privately held company, in 1999privately-held affiliate of Enterprise, as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary.Secretary in January, 1999. Mr. Bachmann resigned such positions in November 2010. Also since January 1999, Mr. Bachmann has served as a Director of Enterprise Products Company. He previously served as a Director of the General Partner from June 2000 to January 2004 and was re-elected and continued as a Director of the General Partner from February 2006 until April 2010. Mr. Bachmann was elected Group Vice Chairman, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Enterprise Products Company in December 2007. Since April 2010, Mr. Bachmann has been and continues as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Products Company. From August 2005 until April, 2010, Mr. Bachmann served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of EPE Holdings LLC, the sole general partner of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P., a publicly-traded partnership and an affiliate of Enterprise. Mr. Bachmann was also elected a Director of EPE Holdings in February 2006. In April 2010, Mr. Bachmann resigned his positions as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of EPE Holdings LLC, but remained as a director and an Executive Vice President of that company until its merger with and into a subsidiary of Enterprise. After the merger in November 2010, Mr. Bachmann was elected a director of the post-merger general partner of Enterprise. In October 2006, Mr. Bachmann was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of DEP Holdings LLC, the sole general partner of Duncan Energy Partners L.P., a publicly-traded partnership, but resigned those positions in April 2010 to devote more time to his position at Enterprise Products Company. All of the foregoing entities perform various transportation and other services to the energy and petrochemical industries. Prior to

joining EPCO Inc.,Enterprise Products Company in 1999, Mr. Bachmann served as a partnerPartner in the law firms of Snell & Smith P.C. from 1993 to 1998 and Butler & Binion from 1988 to 1993. Mr. Bachmann currently serves as a director and as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of various affiliates of EPCO Inc., including Enterprise Products GP, LLC, the general partner of Enterprise Products Partners L.P., a publicly traded midstream energy company, and EPE Holdings LLC, the general partner of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P., a publicly traded midstream energy holding company. Mr. Bachmann also serves as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners L.P., a publicly traded midstream energy company and also an affiliate of EPCO Inc.

Richard S. Langdon is ahas been an independent member of our board of managers and our audit, compensation, conflicts, and nominating and governance committees and is the chairmanchair of our audit committee.committee since November 2006. Mr. Langdon is also currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Matris Exploration Company L.P. (a position held since July 2004) and Sigma Energy Ventures, LLC (a position held since November 2007), and Executive Vice President of KMD Operating Company, LLC (a position held since August 2009), each of which is a privately held exploration and production company. From 1997 until 2002, Mr. Langdon served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EEX Corporation, a publicly traded exploration and production company that merged with Newfield Exploration Company in 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Langdon held various positions with the Pennzoil Companies from 1991 to 1996, including Executive Vice President—International Marketing—Pennzoil Products Company; Senior Vice President—Business Development—Pennzoil Company; and Senior Vice President—Commercial & Control—Pennzoil Exploration & Production Company. Mr. Langdon also serves as a director of Gasco Energy, Inc., a publicly traded exploration and production company.

John N. Seitz is ahas been an independent member of our board of managers and our audit, compensation, conflicts, and conflictsnominating and governance committees and is the chairmanchair of our compensation and nominating and governance committees.committees since November 2006. Mr. Seitz is also currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Endeavour International Corporation, a publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production company which he founded in February 2004, a director for ION Geophysical Corporation, f/k/a Input Output, Inc., a publicly traded provider of seismic products and services, and a director of Gulf United Energy, Inc., a publicly traded energy company with interests in international oil and natural gas properties. In February 2004, Mr. Seitz co-founded Endeavour International Corporation and served as its co-Chief Executive Officer until September 2006. Prior to founding Endeavour International Corporation, Mr. Seitz served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation from January 2002 to March

2003, and prior to being named Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Seitz was the Chief Operating Officer and President of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation beginning in 1999. Mr. Seitz also served as Anadarko Petroleum Corporation’s Executive Vice President, Exploration and Production and as a member of its board of directors from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Seitz also serves as a director for ION Geophysical Corporation, a publicly traded provider of seismic products and services and for Elk Resources, Inc., a privately held oil and gas company with operations in the Rocky Mountain region.

Managers Designated by the Class A Unitholder

Constellation Energy Partners Management, Partners, LLC, or CEPM, is a subsidary of PostRock Energy Corporation, or PostRock, and as the sole owner of our Class A units, is entitled to elect two members to the board of managers voting as a separate class. This right can be eliminated only upon a proposal submitted by or with the consent of our board of managers and the vote of the holders of not less than 66  2/3% of our outstanding common units.

The names and certain additional information with respect to each of the two members of the board of managers designated by CEPM are set forth below. Although CEPM has already designated the following persons as its nominees to the board of managers, CEPM has informed us that these persons will be officially elected and become members of the board of managers as of the date of the Annual Meeting to serve a one-year term or until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. The members of the board of managers designated by CEPM have consented to be named in this proxy statement.

 

Name

  Age  

Position with Our Company

  Manager
Since
  Age   

Position with Our Company

  Manager
Since
 

John R. Collins

  51  Chairman of the Board  2006   54    Chairman of the Board   2006  

Andrew C. Kidd

  45  Manager  2008

Hugh M. McIntosh

   65    Manager   2011  

John R. Collins is Chairmanhas been a member of our board of managers.managers since November 2006. Since August 2011, Mr. Collins also serveshas served as Executive Vice President andthe Chief Financial Officer of Enduring Hydro LLC, a privately held company which provides strategic advice on and investments in hydro and other clean energy generation. Mr. Collins served as Senior Vice President of Constellation Energy Group, Inc., or Constellation, positionsfrom October 2008 to December 2010. Prior to that, he has held since July 2007 andMr. Collins was the Chief Financial Officer of Constellation from May 2007 respectively. Mr. Collins also serves asto October 2008 and a member of Constellation’s Management Committee. Prior to serving in his current positions, Mr. Collins wasExecutive Committee, a Senior Vice President of Constellation from January 2004 to July 2007 and Constellation’s Chief Risk Officer from December 2001 untilto January 2008. Mr. Collins was also Managing Director—FinanceDirector-Finance and Treasurer of Constellation Power Source Holdings, Inc. from January 2000 to December 2001. From February 1997 to December 2001, Mr. Collins served as the senior financial officer of Constellation Energy Commodities Group, Inc., or CCG.CCG, a subsidiary of Constellation. Mr. Collins currently serves asis the former Chairman of the Board of the Committee of Chief Risk Officers, an energy industry association of risk management professionals.

Andrew C. KiddHugh M. McIntoshhas been a member of our board of managers since May 2008.August 2011. Since June 2010, Mr. Kidd also servesMcIntosh has served as Deputy General CounselHead of Constellation, a position he has held since October 2007,School of Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. McIntosh served as Vice President and General CounselHead of CCG, a position he has held since AugustSchool of Keystone School in San Antonio, Texas from January 2004 to June 2010, an educational consultant from 2002 to 2003, and as Vice PresidentChaplain at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii from July 2001 to June 2002. Mr. McIntosh was formerly a lawyer and General Counselpartner at the law firm of Constellation Energy Resources, positions he has held since February 2008Vinson & Elkins LLP from 1973 to 1998 in Houston, Texas and October 2007, respectively. From March 2004 to August 2004, Mr. Kidd was Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of El Paso Corporation. Prior to serving in that position,Washington, D.C., where he was active in the General Counsel of El Paso Merchant Energy Group.

Required Vote; Recommendationenergy transactions practice for approximately 25 years and had responsibilities for the operation and administration of the Boardfirm’s Washington, D.C. office for approximately 10 years. In 1998, Mr. McIntosh withdrew from Vinson & Elkins LLP to attend Harvard Divinity School and obtained a Master of ManagersDivinity in 2001. Mr. McIntosh has extensive civic and charitable involvement and has served on the boards of several non-profit entities providing arts and services to the community.

Class B managers are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, assuming a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on this proposal, except they will be counted as having been present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT UNITHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS’ CLASS B MANAGER NOMINEES. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN PROXY CARDS, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE UNITSFOR EACH OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS’ NOMINEES.

Determination of Independence

A majority of our managers are required to be independent in accordance with NYSE Arca listing standards. For a manager to be considered independent, the board of managers must affirmatively determine that such manager has no material relationship with us. When assessing the materiality of a manager’s relationship with us, the board of managers considers the issue from both the standpoint of the manager and from that of persons and organizations with whom or with which the manager has an affiliation. The board of managers has adopted standards to assist it in determining if a manager is independent. A manager shallwill be deemed to have a material relationship with us and shallwill not be deemed to be an independent manager if:

 

the manager has been an employee, or an immediate family member of the manager has been an executive officer, of us at any time during the past three years;

 

the manager has received, or an immediate family member of the manager has received, more than $100,000 in any twelve-month period in direct compensation from us, other than manager and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service), at any time during the past three years;

 

the manager has been affiliated with or employed by, or an immediate family member of the manager has been affiliated with or employed in a professional capacity by, a present or former internal or external auditor of us at any time during the past three years;

 

the manager has been employed, or an immediate family member of the manager has been employed, as an executive officer of another company where any of our present executives serve on that company’s compensation committee at any time during the past three years; or

 

the manager has been an executive officer or an employee, or an immediate family member of the manager has been an executive officer, of a company that makes payments to, or receives payments from, us for property or services in an amount that, in any single fiscal year, exceeds the greater of $200,000, or 5% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues, at any time during the past three years.

The board of managers has determined that each of Messrs. Bachmann, Langdon and Seitz is independent under the NYSE Arca listing standards. In addition, the audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees are composed entirely of independent managers in accordance with NYSE Arca listing standards, SEC requirements and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. Other than as set forth below, there are no transactions, relationships or other arrangements between us and our independent managers that need to be considered under the NYSE Arca listing standards in determining that such managers are independent.

We have sold natural gas from our properties in the Black Warrior Basin to an affiliate of EPCO Inc. in each of 20062010, 2009 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008. Mr. BachmannBachman is an executive officer of EPCO Inc. As the sales did not exceed 2% of the consolidated gross revenues of EPCO Inc. at any time during those periods, the board of managers determined that the relationship was immaterial and did not impair Mr. Bachmann’s independence.

Qualifications of Board of Managers

At the time of our initial public offering in November 2006, Class A and Class B managers were selected to serve on our board of managers. CEPM appoints two Class A managers and our Class B unitholders elect three Class B managers. Some of the key criteria for serving on our board of managers as a Class B manager include independence from Constellation and PostRock, experience in the E&P industry, familiarity with master limited partnerships, and corporate governance, financial, or other management experience. Our Class B managers, and the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the board to conclude that they should serve as managers, are:

Mr. Seitz brings to our board significant managerial and operational experience in the oil and gas industry. He is the current vice chairman of Endeavor International Corporation, a publicly traded oil and gas exploration company, and has served as the chief executive officer of Anadarko Petroleum, one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in North America. His specialized technical experience in the oil and gas industry adds significant value to the board’s contribution to our performance. He also has prior public company board experience, which is beneficial for the operations of our board, and currently serves as a director of ION Geophysical Corporation, a publicly traded provider of seismic services to the E&P industry, and as a director of Gulf United Energy, Inc., a publicly traded independent energy company with interests in international oil and natural gas properties. Mr. Seitz is independent of Constellation and PostRock.

Mr. Langdon brings to our board considerable financial and managerial experience in the energy industry as well as his entrepreneurial abilities, which are valuable to a small growing company such as us. He has served as the chief financial officer of EEX Corporation, a publicly traded exploration and production company that merged with Newfield Exploration. He has also held significant commercial positions with the Pennzoil Companies, including roles in business development and marketing. He is also the founder and owner of two privately held oil and gas companies. Mr. Langdon has extensive experience in finance and accounting that adds significant value to the board’s oversight role of our financial reporting. He has prior public company board and audit committee experience, which is beneficial for our board operations, and currently serves as the chairman of the audit committee of Gasco Energy, Inc., a publicly traded exploration and production company. Mr. Langdon is independent of Constellation and PostRock.

Mr. Bachmann brings to our board significant experience in the master limited publicly traded partnership sector and extensive legal and corporate governance skills. Mr. Bachmann has had a long-time affiliation with the Enterprise family of master limited partnerships, a large and successful group of energy-focused master limited partnerships. He has served in key leadership roles for Enterprise and its affiliates, including chief legal officer, director, president and chief executive officer. His experiences with Enterprise contribute to our board’s understanding of the business model for master limited partnerships. His experience and knowledge of legal affairs and corporate governance in the energy industry contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of our board. Mr. Bachmann is independent of Constellation and PostRock.

CEPM has appointed Messrs. Collins and McIntosh as our two Class A managers to represent its interests on our board. Our Class A managers, and the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led CEPM and the board to conclude that they should serve as managers, are:

Mr. Collins brings to our board his substantial experiences in risk management, finance and investor relations. He was a long-time Constellation employee who has held various executive-level positions with the diversified energy firm, including leadership roles in finance and risk management. He has valuable historical perspectives on our growth and operations. He contributes cross-industry experience and depth of knowledge of finance, risk management, and corporate processes which offers our board important insights into the role of finance and risk management in our business and strategy. He adds value to the board oversight role of investor communications. He acts as a liaison with PostRock and ensures our board has continuing dialogue with our largest unitholder and with Constellation.

Mr. McIntosh brings to our board his significant professional, educational, and charitable experiences. He was a partner with the Vinson & Elkins LLP law firm where he developed an in-depth understanding of project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. These experiences contribute to our ability to achieve our business plans and objectives, particularly those dealing with our capital structure and developing growth and expansion strategies, including the potential acquisition of additional properties through mergers and acquisitions. Mr. McIntosh has an exemplary educational background and has earned degrees from Harvard University, the University of Virginia, and Mississippi State University. He also has extensive civic and charitable involvement and has served on the boards of several non-profit entities providing arts and services to the community. These diverse educational, leadership and charitable experiences contribute to the capabilities of our board to act efficiently and effectively. He acts as a liaison with PostRock and ensures our board has continuing dialogue with our largest unitholder.

Since our initial public offering, all of our Class B managers have been reelected by our unitholders. CEPM elects its Class  A managers concurrent with our annual meeting.

Corporate Governance

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

Our board has three independent members as Class B managers and two managers appointed by CEPM as Class A managers. One of the Class A managers is currently our non-executive chairman of the board. Our independent board members are currently serving or have served as members of senior management of other public companies and have served as managers or directors of other public companies. We have four board committees comprised solely of independent managers, each with an independent manager serving as chair of the committee. We believe that the number of independent, experienced managers that make up our board, along with the oversight of the board by a Class A manager who is a non-executive chairman of the board, benefits our company and our unitholders.

Under our Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, as amended, and corporate governance guidelines, the chairman of the board is responsible for

chairing board meetings;

scheduling and setting the agendas for these meetings; and

providing information to board members in advance of each board meeting.

In addition, the board of managers has designated the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee to act as its “Lead Manager.” In that capacity, the current chairman, Mr. Seitz, has the following duties and authority:

presiding at all board meetings where the Chairman of the board of managers is not present;

serving as a liaison between the Chairman of the board of managers and the independent managers;

approving (i) information sent to the board and (ii) agendas and meeting schedules for board meetings;

calling meetings of the non-management managers;

ensuring his availability for direct consultation upon request of a major unitholder;

chairing the executive session of non-management managers; and

serving as a contact for unitholder complaints, other than those involving auditing/accounting matters.

Interested parties may communicate directly with Mr. Seitz in his capacity as Lead Manager by writing to the Secretary, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, 1801 Main Street, Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77002.

In accordance with NYSE Arca requirements, our audit committee charter provides that the audit committee is responsible for overseeing the risk management function in the company. While the audit committee has primary responsibility for overseeing risk management, our entire board of managers is actively involved in overseeing risk management for the company. For example, on at least a quarterly basis, our audit committee and our full board receive a risk management report from the company’s chief financial officer. The full board also engages in periodic discussion with other company officers as the board may deem appropriate. In addition, each of our board committees considers the risks within its area of responsibilities. For example, our compensation committee considers the risks that may be implicated by our executive compensation programs. We believe that the leadership structure of our board supports the board’s effective oversight of our risk management.

On an annual basis, as part of our review of corporate governance, the board evaluates our board leadership structure to ensure that it remains the optimal structure for our company and our unitholders. We recognize that different board leadership structures may be appropriate for companies with different histories and cultures, as well as companies with varying sizes and performance characteristics. We believe our current leadership structure under which Mr. Collins, a Class A manager, serves as chairman of the board, the board committees are chaired by independent managers and a lead manager assumes specified responsibilities remains the optimal board leadership structure for our company and our unitholders at this time.

During 2007,2010, the board of managers met ten5 times. Each manager attended at least 75% of the meetings of the board and at least 75% of the meetings of each committee on which he served.

The board of managers has adopted a policy that encourages each manager to attend the annual meeting of unitholders. All of the persons then serving as our managers attended the 20072010 Annual Meeting.Meeting of Unitholders.

Committees of the Board of Managers

Audit Committee

As described in the audit committee charter, the audit committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent public accountants to audit our financial statements, including assessing the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and establishes the scope of, and oversee,oversees, the annual audit. The committee also approves any other services provided by public accounting firms. The audit committee provides assistance to the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the unitholders, the investment community and others relating to the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence and the performance of our internal audit function. The audit committee oversees our system of disclosure controls and procedures and system of internal controls regarding financial, accounting, legal compliance and ethics that management and our board of managers established. In doing so, it iswill be the responsibility of the audit committee to maintain free and open communication between the committee and our independent auditors, the internal accounting function and management of our company.

The board of managers has determined that the chairman of the audit committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the applicable rules of the SEC. The audit committee held five5 meetings in 2007.2010. Mr. Langdon is Chairman, and Messrs. Seitz and Bachmann are members of the audit committee.members.

Compensation Committee

As described in the compensation committee charter, the compensation committee establishes and reviews general policies related to our compensation and benefits. The compensation committee determines and approves, or makes recommendations to the board of managers with respect to, the compensation and benefits of our board of managers. Information on the role of compensation consultants in determiningmanagers and recommending the amount or form of manager compensation is provided underCompensation of Managers below. As discussed inCompensation Discussion and Analysis, our named executive officers are compensated by CCG under the compensation policies of Constellation.and employees.

The compensation committee held four7 meetings in 2007.2010. Mr. Seitz is Chairman, and Messrs. Bachmann and Langdon are members of the compensation committee.members.

Conflicts Committee

Our board of managers has established a conflicts committee to review specific matters that the board believes may involve conflicts of interest, including transactions with related persons such as Constellation, PostRock or itstheir affiliates or our managers and executive officers. The conflicts committee determines if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to our company. Our limited liability company agreement provides that members of the conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of our company, or directors, officers or employees of any of our affiliates, and must meet the independence standards for service on an audit committee of a board of directors as established by NYSE Arca and SEC rules. Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to our company and approved by all of our unitholders. However, the board is not required by the terms of our limited liability company agreement to submit the resolution of a potential conflict of interest to the conflicts committee, and may itself resolve such conflict of interest if the board determines that (i) the terms of the related-personrelated person transaction are no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (ii) the transaction is fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved. Any matters approved by the board in this manner will be deemed approved by all of our unitholders.

The conflicts committee held five4 meetings in 2007.2010. Mr. Bachmann is Chairman, and Messrs. Seitz and Langdon are members of the conflicts committee.members.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

As described in the nominating and governance committee charter, the nominating and governance committee nominates candidates to serve on our board of managers. The nominating and governance committee is also responsible for monitoring a process to review manager, board and committee effectiveness, developing and implementing our corporate governance guidelines, recommending committee members and committee chairpersons and otherwise taking a leadership role in shaping the corporate governance of our company.

The nominating and governance committee held four4 meetings in 2007.2010. Mr. Seitz is Chairman, and Messrs. Bachmann and Langdon are members of the nominating and governance committee.members.

We maintain on our website,www.constellationenergypartners.com, copies of the charters of each of the committees of the board of managers (except the conflicts committee which does not have a charter), as well as copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Copies of these documents are also available in print upon request of our Corporate Secretary. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics provides guidance on a wide range of conduct, conflicts of interest and legal compliance issues for all of our managers, officers and employees, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer. We will post any amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Principal Accounting Officer on our website.

In addition, the board of managers has designated the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee to act as its “Lead Manager.” In that capacity, the current chairman, Mr. Seitz, has the following duties and authority:

presiding at all board meetings where the Chairman of the board of managers is not present;

serving as a liaison between the Chairman of the board of managers and the independent managers;

approving (i) information sent to the board and (ii) agendas and meeting schedules for board meetings;

calling meetings of the non-management managers;

ensuring his availability for direct consultation upon request of a major unitholder;

chairing the executive session of non-management managers; and

serving as a contact for unitholder complaints, other than those involving auditing/accounting matters.

Interested parties may communicate directly with Mr. Seitz in his capacity as Lead Manager by writing to the Secretary, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, One Allen Center, 500 Dallas Street, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77002.

Executive OfficersExecutiveOfficers

The following sets forth information with respect to our current executive officers:

Stephen R. Brunner, age 49,53, has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2008 and our Chief Operating Officer since February 2008. He has also servesserved as a Managing Director of CCG and as a non-voting advisory member of our board of managers.managers from December 2008 until August 2011. Mr. Brunner also served as Vice President for CCG from February 2008 to January 2009. From 2001 until November 2007, Mr. Brunner served as Executive Vice President, Operations of Pogo Producing Company, an oil and gas exploration company.

Charles C. Ward, age 47,51, has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since March 2008. Mr. Ward has also served as a Vice President of CCG sincefrom November 2005.2005 until December 2008. Prior to that time, he was a Vice President of Enron North America Corp. from March 20002002 to November 2005.

Michael B. Hiney, age 43, has served as our Chief Accounting Officer since March 2008. He also served as a Vice President of CCG from July 2006 until December 2008 where he served as Controller for Constellation Energy Partners. During the 16 years prior to that time, he held various positions at El Paso Exploration and Production Company, including Director and Assistant Controller from 2004 to June 2006.

Lisa J. Mellencamp, age 56, has served as our General Counsel and Secretary since January 2009. She served as Associate General Counsel for Constellation Energy Resources from March 2008 until December 2008 and as Senior Counsel of CCG from March 2005 to February 2008. Prior to that time she was Associate General Counsel at Duke Energy Americas from July 2003 to March 2005.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our managers and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership of our equity securities and reports of changes in ownership of our equity securities with the SEC. Such persons are also required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations from our executive officers and managers, we believe that during 2007,2010 all Section  16(a) reporting persons complied with all applicable filing requirements in a timely manner.

Nominations for Manager

The board of managers seeks diverse candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the board of managers, us and our unitholders. Annually, the nominating and corporate governance committee reviews the qualifications and backgrounds of the managers, as well as the overall composition of the board of managers, and recommends to the full board of managers the slate of Class B manager candidates to be nominated for election at the next annual meeting of unitholders. The board of managers has adopted a policy whereby the nominating and corporate governance committee shallwill consider the recommendations of unitholders with respect to candidates for election to the board of managers and the process and criteria for such candidates shallwill be the same as those currently used by us for manager candidates recommended by the board of managers or management.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, a copy of which is maintained on our website,www.constellationenergypartners.com, include criteria that are to be considered by the nominating and corporate governance committee and board of managers in considering candidates for nomination to the board of managers. These criteria require that a candidate:

 

has the business and/or professional knowledge and experience applicable to us, our business and the goals and perspectives of our unitholders;

is well regarded in the community, with a long-term, good reputation for highest ethical standards;

 

has good common sense and judgment;

 

has a positive record of accomplishment in present and prior positions;

 

has an excellent reputation for preparation, attendance, participation, interest and initiative on other boards on which he or she may serve; and

 

has the time, energy, interest and willingness to become involved with us and our future.

Within our Corporate Governance Guidelines there is no specific requirement that the nominating and corporate governance committee or the board of managers consider diversity in identifying candidates for nomination to the board of managers.

A unitholder who wishes to recommend to the nominating and corporate governance committee a nominee for directormanager for the 20092011 Annual Meeting of Common Unitholders should submit the recommendation in writing to the Secretary, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, One Allen Center, 500 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 3300,1300, Houston, Texas 77002 so it is received by June 25, 200916, 2012 but not earlier than May  26, 2009.17, 2012.

Unitholder Communications

The board of managers has adopted a policy whereby any communications from our unitholders to the board of managers shallmust be directed to our Secretary, who shallwill (i) determine whether any of such communications are significant, and promptly forward significant communications to the board of managers, and (ii) keep a record of all unitholder communications that the Secretary deems not to be significant and report such communications to the board of managers on a periodic basis, but not less frequently than quarterly.

Any unitholder who wishes to communicate to the board of managers may submit such communication in writing to the Secretary, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, One Allen Center, 500 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 3300,1300, Houston, Texas 77002.

Related Person Transactions

Both Constellation ownsand PostRock, through subsidiaries, own a significant number of our units. As of September 12, 2008,2011, CEPM, a subsidiary of PostRock, owns all 447,721485,065 of our Class A units representing a 2% limited liability company interest in us, and all of the management incentive interests;3,128,670 Class B common units. Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC, or CEPH, a subsidiary of Constellation, owns 5,918,8942,790,224 Class B common units, representing an approximate 26.4% limited liability company interest in us;all of our Class C management incentive interests and Constellation Holdings, Inc., or CHI, owns all of our Class D interests. Each of CEPM, CEPH and CHI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Constellation. As discussed inItem 10. Managers, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance-Committees of the Board of Managers—Conflicts CommitteeCommittee”, either our board of managers or the board’s conflicts committee reviews all related person transactions.

Our board of managers has established a conflicts committee to review specific matters that the board believes may involve conflicts of interest, including transactions with related persons such as Constellation, PostRock or their affiliates, including CEPH and CEPM. The conflicts committee determines if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to our company. Our limited liability company agreement provides that members of the conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of our company, or directors, officers or employees of any of our affiliates, and must meet the independence standards for service on an audit committee of a board of directors as established by NYSE Arca and SEC rules. Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to our company and approved by all of our unitholders. For 2010, there were no related party transactions with Constellation, PostRock or their affiliates that were reviewed or required to be reviewed by the conflicts committee. Our board is not required by the terms of our limited liability company agreement to submit the resolution of a potential conflict of interest to the conflicts committee, and may itself resolve such conflict of interest if the board determines that (i) the terms of the related person transaction are no less

favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (ii) the transaction is fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved. Any matters approved by the board in this manner will be deemed approved by all of our unitholders.

Distributions and Payments to CCG, CEPH, CHI and CEPMConstellation Entities

The following summarizes the distributions and payments made or to be made by us to Constellation and its subsidiaries, including CCG CEPH, CHI and CEPMCEPH, in connection with our ongoing operationoperations and any liquidation of us. CEPM was acquired by PostRock in August 2011, and is no longer a subsidiary of Constellation.

Distributions of available cash to CEPM and CEPH

We will generally make cash distributions 98% to common unitholders, including CEPH, and 2% to CEPM in respect of its Class A units. In addition, if distributions exceed the Target Distribution (as defined in our limited liability company agreement) and certain other requirements are met, CEPM will be entitled in respect of its management incentive interests to 15% of distributions above the Target Distribution. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, none of these applicable requirements have been met, and, as a result, CEPM was not entitled to receive any management incentive interest distributions. For the third quarter 2007, we increased our distribution rate to $0.5625 per unit. This increase in the distribution rate commenced a management incentive interest vesting period under our limited liability company agreement. A cash reserve of $0.5 million has been established to fund future distributions on the management incentive interests.

Assuming we have sufficient available cash to pay the current quarterly distribution on allCEPH

We generally make any cash distributions 98% to common unitholders, including CEPH, a subsidiary of our outstanding units for four quarters, butConstellation. During 2009 and 2010, CEPH received no distributions on its Class B common units. In addition, if distributions exceed the Target Distribution (as defined in excessour limited liability company agreement) and certain other requirements are met, CEPH will be entitled in respect of its Class C management incentive interests to 15% of distributions above the Target Distribution. For the year ended December 31, 2010, none of these applicable requirements were met, and, as a result, CEPH was not entitled to receive any Class C management incentive interest distributions.

Distributions to CEPH for Class D interests

For each full calendar quarter during the period commencing January 1, 2007 and ending on December 31, 2012 that the sharing arrangement in respect of the full currentcalculation of amounts payable to Torch Energy Royalty Trust for the non-operating net profits interest remains in effect, we will distribute to CEPH in respect of its Class D interests, approximately $0.3 million, as a partial return of the $8.0 million capital contribution made for the Class D interests, which payment will be made concurrently with the quarterly cash distribution CEPM would receive an annualto our common and Class A unitholders for that quarter. Unless the special distribution right has been terminated earlier, the Class D interests will be cancelled upon the payment of the final distribution of approximately $1.0$0.3 million to CEPH for the quarter ending December 31, 2012. If the amounts payable by us to the Trust are not calculated based on its Class A unitsthe sharing arrangement through December 31, 2012, unless such change is approved in advance by our board of managers and our conflicts committee, the special distribution right for future quarters will terminate. In the case of such early termination, CEPH wouldwill only have the right under specific circumstances upon our liquidation to receive an annual distributionthe unpaid portion of approximately $13.3the $8.0 million on its common units.

Distributions to CHI

For each full calendar quarter during the period commencing January 1, 2007 and ending on December 31, 2012 that the sharing arrangement in respect of the calculation of amounts payable to Torch Energy Royalty Trust for the non-operating net profits interest remains in effect, we will distribute to CHI, in respect of its Class D interests, approximately $0.3 million, as a partial return of the $8.0 million capital contribution made for the Class D interests, which payment will be made concurrently with the quarterly cash distribution to our common and Class A unitholders for that quarter. Unless the special distribution right has been terminated earlier, the Class D interests will be cancelled upon the payment of the final distribution of approximately $0.3 million to CHI for the quarter ending December 31, 2012. If the amounts payable by us to the Trust

are not calculated based on the sharing arrangement through December 31, 2012, unless such change is approved in advance by our board of managers and our conflicts committee, the special distribution right for future quarters will terminate. In the case of such early termination, CHI will only have the right under specific circumstances upon our liquidation to receive the unpaid portion of the $8.0 million capital contribution that has not then been distributed to CHIcapital contribution that has not then been distributed to CEPH in such special distributions. If the special distribution right is terminated during a quarter, the special distribution in respect of the Class D interests will be prorated for that quarter based upon the ratio of the number of days in such quarter prior to the effective date of such termination to 90.

In connection with the initiation of certain arbitrationlegal proceedings involving the Trust, and amounts owed under the net profits interest, the special quarterly cash distribution with respect to the Class D interests washas been suspended forsince the three month periodsperiod ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.

The arbitration panel issued its final award in connection with those arbitration proceedings in July 2008, and it appears We expect that amounts payable to the holder of the NPI will continue to be calculated basedthese quarterly distributions on the sharing arrangement. As a consequence, we intend, pursuant to our limited liability company agreement, to lift the suspension of and resume making quarterly cash distributions in respect of the Class D interests, beginning withand all future quarterly distributions on the special quarterly cash distribution for the three months ending September 30, 2008. Also pursuant toClass D interests, will remain suspended until such time as distributions are permitted under our reserve-based credit facility and limited liability company agreement, we intend to make a one-time special cash distribution of $666,666.66 in respect ofagreement. Since our Class D interests for the quarterly periods ended March 31 and June 30, 2008. We expect to make this special cash distribution contemporaneously with the special quarterly cash distribution for the three months ending September 30, 2008.

To date,initial public offering, distributions of approximately $1.3 million have been paid to CHI, asthe holder of the Class D interests.

Payments to CEPM

Each quarter, CEPM charges us an amount for services provided to us pursuant to our management services agreement. This amount is agreed to annually and includes a portion of the compensation paid by CEPM and its affiliates to personnel who spend time on our business and affairs. The allocation of compensation expense for the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer is fixed by agreement between the parties. The allocation of compensation expense for other personnel of CEPM and its affiliates is determined based on the percentage of time spent by such personnel on our business and affairs. The conflicts committee of our board of managers reviews at least annually the services to be provided by CEPM and the costs to be charged to us under the management services agreement and reviews the cost allocation quarterly. The conflicts committee also determines if the amounts to be paid by us for the services to be performed are fair to and in our

Payments to Constellation under the management services agreement

Each quarter until the management services agreement was terminated on December 15, 2009, a subsidiary of Constellation charged us an amount for services provided to us. This amount was agreed to annually and included a portion of the compensation paid by Constellation and its affiliates to personnel who spent time on our business and affairs. Prior to January 1, 2009, the allocation of compensation expense for our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer was fixed by agreement between the parties. Until December 15, 2009, the allocation of compensation expense for other personnel of Constellation and its affiliates

was determined based on the percentage of time spent by such personnel on our business and affairs. The conflicts committee of our board of managers reviewed at least annually the services provided by Constellation and its affiliates and the costs charged to us under the management services agreement and reviewed the cost allocation quarterly. The conflicts committee also determined if the amounts to be paid by us for the services performed were fair to and in our best interests. During the year, the cost allocation were adjusted upwards to reflect additional services provided by Constellation and its affiliates or downwards to reflect the transition of services to our employees. The costs charged to us under the management services agreement may have been be greater or less than the actual costs we would have incurred if the services were performed by an unaffiliated third party. For the year ended December 31, 2010, no costs were incurred under this agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, approximately $1.4 million, $2.9 million and $1.4 million in costs were incurred under this agreement, respectively.

Conversion of Class C management incentive interests

best interests. During the year, the cost allocation may be adjusted upwards to reflect additional services provided by CEPM and its affiliates or downwards to reflect the transition of services to our employees. The costs charged to us under the management services agreement may be greater or less than the actual costs we would incur if the services were performed by an unaffiliated third party. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately $1.4 million in costs were accrued under this agreement.

Conversion of Class A units and management incentive interests

Generally, if the common unitholders vote to eliminate the special voting rights of the holder of our Class A units, the Class A units will be converted into common units on a one-for-one basis and CEPM will have the right to elect to convert its management incentive interests into common units at fair market value.

Should CEPM’s Class A units, the Class A units will be converted into Class B common units on a one-for-one basis, and CEPH will have the right to elect to convert its Class C management incentive interests into Class B common units at fair market value. Should CEPH’s Class C management incentive interests convert into Class B common units, CEPMCEPH will receive any cash distributions on its Class B common units.

Liquidation

Liquidation

Upon our liquidation, the unitholders, including CEPH as a common unitholder and as the holder of the Class C management incentive interests and Class D interests that are then outstanding, will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions according to its respective capital account balances.

Upon our liquidation, the unitholders, including CEPH, as a common unitholder, CEPM, as the holder of the Class A units and CHI, as the holder of our Class D interests that are then outstanding, will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions according to their respective capital account balances.

Omnibus Agreement

At the closing of our initial public offering in November 2006, we entered into an omnibus agreement with CCG.CCG, a subsidiary of Constellation. Under the omnibus agreement, CCG indemnified us against certain liabilities relating to:

 

for a period of six years and 30 days after our initial public offering, any of our income tax liabilities, or any income tax liability attributable to our operation of our properties, in each case relating to periods prior to the closing of our initial public offering;

 

legal actions pending against Constellation or us at the time of our initial public offering;

 

events and conditions associated with the ownership by Constellation or its affiliates of the undivided mineral interest in certain of our properties in the Robinson’s Bend Field for depths generally below 100 feet below the base of the lowest producing coal seam; and

 

for a period of one year after our initial public offering, any miscalculation in the amount payable to the Trust in respect of the NPI for any period prior to the initial public offering, provided that (i) that such miscalculation relates to amount(s) payable no more than four years prior to our initial public offering and (ii) the aggregate amount payable by CCG pursuant to this bullet point does not exceed $0.5 million.

We have made a claim under the Omnibus Agreement to CCG as a result of the litigation with respect to the Torch NPI calculation for periods prior to our initial public offering. CCG has reimbursed us for one half of our legal costs associated with litigation. We have submitted a claim to CCG for one half of the $1.2 million settlement which was effective in June 2011. See our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Item 1. “Business—Operations—Torch Royalty NPI” for additional information.

Management Services Agreement

In connection with our initial public offering,November 2006, we entered into a management services agreement with CEPM that governs our relationship with it regarding the following matters:

CEPM’s provisiona subsidiary of Constellation to us ofprovide certain supervisorymanagement, technical and management services, including financial, acquisition and hedging and other risk management services; and

reimbursement of supervisory and management costs incurred by CEPM in performing services for us.

Financial, Acquisition and Other Services

Underadministrative services. Constellation terminated the management services agreement we may request that CEPM or its designee provide legal, accounting, audit, tax, financialeffective December 15, 2009. Each quarter, Constellation charged us an amount for services provided to us. This amount was agreed to annually and risk management services. Upon our request, CEPM will also provide us with engineering, geological, geophysical, property management and project management services.

CEPM may provide us with acquisition services upon our request, but is not obligated to do so. Asincluded a result, CEPM will have no commitment to offer us any particular E&P property, whether from CEPM or its other affiliates or a third party.

Competition

None of CEPM, Constellation, CCG or any of their affiliates will be restricted under the management services agreement from competing with us. CEPM, Constellation, CCG and any of their affiliates may acquire or dispose of any assets, including, among other things, oil and natural gas exploration and production properties, in the future without any obligation to offer us the opportunity to purchase those assets.

Reimbursement of Costs

Subject to the arrangements relating to acquisition services described above and as discussed further inDistributions and Payments to CCG, CEPH, CHI and CEPM—Payments to CEPM, CEPM will be entitled to be reimbursed on a quarterly basis for all supervisory and management costs incurred by it in performing services for us. These costs and expenses will be deducted from cash available for distribution to our unitholders. For 2007, these costs were approximately $1.4 million. For 2008, we expect these costs to not exceed approximately $3.4 million.

Review by Our Board of Managers

Our board of managers has the right to evaluate CEPM’s performance thereunder and, if considered desirable by our board of managers, arrange for third parties to provide some or allportion of the servicescompensation paid by Constellation and its affiliates to be provided pursuant to the management services agreement.

Standard of Care

In exercising its powerspersonnel who spent time on our business and discharging its duties under the management services agreement, CEPM is required to act in good faith, and is to exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent advisor or manager, as the case may be, would exercise in comparable circumstances.

Indemnification

affairs. The management services agreement provides that, except arising out of our gross negligence, intentional misconduct or a breach of the agreement, CEPM must indemnify us for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from the rendering of CEPM’s services under the management services agreement. We will indemnify CEPM for damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from our gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this agreement.

Term and Termination

The management services agreement is in effect for continuous one-year terms, with each term ending on December 31. The management services agreement may be terminated by us or CEPM at any time and for any reason upon six months advance notice to the other party. To date, neither party has given notice to terminate the management services agreement.

Amendments

The management services agreement may not be amended without the prior approval of the conflicts committee of our board of managers ifdetermined that the proposed amendment will,amounts paid by us for the services performed were fair to and in the reasonable discretionbest interests of our board of managers, adversely affect holders of our common units.the Company. These costs totaled approximately $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. No costs were incurred during 2010.

Trademark License

In connection with our initial public offering, Constellation granted a limited license to us for the use of certain trademarks in connection with our business. The license will terminate upon the elimination of the right of the holder or holders of our Class A units to elect the Class A managers pursuant to our limited liability company agreement. Constellation will indemnify us from any third-party claims alleging trademark infringement that may arise out of our use of the Constellation trademarks under the license. No amounts were paid under this agreement during 2009 or 2010.

Credit Support Fee AgreementsConstellation-Related Announcements

In connection with each of our acquisitions, Constellation entered into credit support agreements with us to provide guarantees to three banks that required credit support for certain financial derivatives. These guarantees were obtained because we did not own the assets at the time the derivatives were entered into and we could not use our existing reserve-based credit facility to provide collateral for the derivative transactions.

 

In March 2007,On April 28, 2011, Exelon Corporation agreed to buy Constellation for approximately $7.9 billion in connection withstock. The proposed transaction needs approval by state utility regulations in Maryland, New York, and Texas, in addition to the EnergyQuest acquisition, we entered into a credit support fee agreement withshareholders of both companies and federal regulators. Constellation under which Constellation guaranteed credit support up to $25 million for certain financial derivatives that we entered into with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (“RBS”). This guarantee has been released.is our former sponsor.

 

On August 8, 2011, PostRock Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: PSTR) (“PostRock”) announced that it had purchased a majority of Constellation’s interests in us. PostRock announced that it had acquired all of our 485,065 Class A units and 3,128,670 of our Class B common units in the transaction, in aggregate representing a 14.9% interest in us. In March 2007,the transaction, PostRock stated that it had received the right to appoint two Class A managers to our board of managers.

PostRock further announced that Constellation received consideration of $6.6 million of cash, 1 million shares of PostRock common stock and warrants to acquire an additional 673,822 shares of PostRock common stock, with 224,607 warrants exercisable for one year at an exercise price of $6.57 a share, 224,607 warrants exercisable for two years at $7.07 a share and 224,608 warrants exercisable for three years at $7.57 a share.

Prior to the announced transaction, Constellation held all 485,065 of our Class A units and 5,918,894 of our Class B common units. As of August 31, 2011, Constellation, through its affiliates, retains 2,790,224 of our Class B common units (or an 11.5% interest in us), all of our Class C management incentive interests and all of our Class D interests.

Distributions and Payments to PostRock Entities

The following summarizes the distributions and payments made or to be made by us to PostRock and its subsidiaries, including CEPM, in connection with the EnergyQuest acquisition, we entered into a credit support fee agreement with Constellation under which Constellation guaranteed credit support upour ongoing operations and any liquidation of us.

Distributions of available cash to $11.5 million for certain financial derivatives that we entered into with BNP Paribas (“BNP”). This guarantee has been released.CEPM

In July 2007,We generally make any cash distributions 98% to common unitholders, including CEPM, and 2% to CEPM in connection with the Amvest acquisition, we entered into a credit support fee agreement with Constellation under which Constellation guaranteed credit support up to $15.0 million for certain financial derivatives that we entered into with BNP. This guarantee has been released.

In August 2007, in connection with the Newfield acquisition, we entered into a credit support fee agreement with Constellation under which Constellation guaranteed credit support up to $10.0 million for certain financial derivatives that we entered into with BNP. This guarantee has been released.

In February 2008, in connection with the CoLa Acquisition, we entered into a credit support fee agreement with Constellation under which Constellation guaranteed credit support up to $8.5 million for certain financial derivatives that we entered into with BNPrespect of its Class A units. During 2009 and Societe Generale. These guarantees have been released.

As of September 30, 2008, we expect to have paid Constellation $0.8 million for the credit support described above.

CoLa Acquisition

On March 31, 2008, we acquired 83 non-operated producing oil and natural gas wells in the Woodford Shale in the Arkoma Basin in Oklahoma from CoLa Resources LLC (“CoLa”) for $53.4 million, subject to purchase price adjustments (“CoLa Acquisition”). CoLa is an affiliate of Constellation. The transaction was reviewed and approved by our conflicts committee. In2010, CEPM received no distributions on its review, the conflicts committee considered various economic factors (including historical and estimated future production, estimated proved reserves, future pricing estimates and operating cost estimates) regarding the transaction, and determined that the acquisition was fair andClass A units or on its Class B common units.

in our best interests. The 83 wells, located in Coal and Hughes Counties, Oklahoma, have an average gross working interest per wellConversion of 11.5% and an average net revenue interest per well of 9.2%. The acquired oil and natural gas reserves associated withClass A units

Generally, if the wells are 100% proved developed producing.

To fundcommon unitholders vote to eliminate the purchasespecial voting rights of the CoLa Acquisition, we borrowed $53.0 million underholder of our Class A units, the Class A units will be converted into Class B common units on a one-for-one basis. Should CEPM’s Class A units convert into Class B common units, CEPM will receive any cash distributions on its reserve-based credit facilities.Class B common units.

Liquidation

Upon our liquidation, the announcementunitholders, including CEPM, as a common unitholder and as the holder of the CoLa Acquisition, we entered into derivative transactionsClass A units that are then outstanding, will be entitled to hedge a portion of the future expected production associated with these wells.

The total consideration paid was $51.3 million, which consisted of $51.2 million in cash and transaction costs and assumed liabilities of approximately $0.1 million, primarily associated with asset retirement obligations on the properties.

The preliminary purchase price allocation was based on evaluations of proved oil and natural gas reserves, discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and other estimates by management. The purchase price allocation relatedreceive liquidating distributions according to the CoLa Acquisition is preliminary and subject to change, pending final valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired and any post-closing or title adjustments.its respective capital account balances.

A post-closing adjustment occurred on July 29, 2008 to settle certain items including the revenue distributions and certain expenses associated with the oil and gas properties on or after the effective date of January 1, 2008. In addition, under the purchase agreement, we will have the right to assert, and CoLa will have the right to attempt to cure, any title defects to the acquired wells until July 31, 2009. CoLa’s post-closing payment obligations with respect to title defects and indemnities under the purchase agreement is secured, in part, by a guaranty from CCG delivered at closing. The maximum amount of the CCG guaranty is limited to (i) 20% of the purchase price, with respect to indemnity obligations, and (ii) with respect to title defect obligations, the amount of such title defects, such amount to be calculated as provided in the purchase agreement. The amount of CCG’s guaranty with respect to title defect obligations will decrease as title curative is received or CoLa receives proceeds of production from wellbores as to which payments of production proceeds had not commenced as of the closing date and which are attributable to periods prior to the effective time of the purchase agreement. Under certain circumstances, identified title defects may result in a purchase price adjustment.

Natural Gas Purchases

Beginning in September 2007, CCG began purchasing natural gas from us in the Cherokee Basin. The arrangement was reviewed by the conflicts committee of our board of managers. The committee found that the arrangement was fair to and in our best interests. Through July 31, 2009, we have an unconditional guarantee from Constellation for payment of up to $8 million for sales made to CCG. Through June 30, 2008, CCG paid us $8.7 million for natural gas purchases.

Constellation Merger Announcement

On September 18, 2008, Constellation and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company announced that they have reached a tentative agreement in which MidAmerican will purchase all of the outstanding shares of Constellation and that the transaction is expected to close within nine months. Constellation reaffirmed to us on September 18, 2008 that they and their subsidiaries will continue to provide services to us under the management services agreement.

Audit Committee Report

The role of the audit committee of the board of managers is to assist the board of managers in its oversight of Constellation Energy Partners’ responsibility relating to: (i) the integrity of Constellation Energy Partners’ financial statements; (ii) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence; (iv) the performance of Constellation Energy Partners’ internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm; (v) risk assessment; and (vi) risk management. We operate pursuant to a charter, that was created by the board of managers in November 2006 and revised in November 2007, a copy of which is available on Constellation Energy Partners’ website atwww.constellationenergypartners.com. Management of Constellation Energy Partners is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Constellation Energy Partners’ financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles, and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing Constellation Energy Partners’ financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The independent registered public accounting firm has free access to the audit committee to discuss any matters they deemit deems appropriate.

In the performance of our oversight function, we have considered and discussed the audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. We also have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm such firm’s audit of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Constellation Energy Partners’ internal control over financial reporting. We rely without independent verification on the information provided to us and on the representations made by management and the independent registered public accounting firm. We have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement onPCAOB Auditing Standards No. 61,Standard AU380, Communication with Audit Committees, as currently in effect. Finally, we have received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the Independence Standardsapplicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in effect, and have considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm to Constellation Energy Partners is compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence and have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.

Based upon the reports and discussions described in this report, we recommended to the board of managers that the audited financial statements be included in Constellation Energy Partners’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 20072010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Richard S. Langdon, Chairman

Richard H. Bachmann

John N. Seitz

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common units and Class A unitsheld by:

 

each unitholder known by us to bewho is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding units;

each of our managers and named executive officers; and

 

our managers and named executive officers as a group.

The amounts and percentage of common units and Class A units beneficially owned are reported on the basis of the SEC rules governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, and/or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed a beneficial owner of securities as to which he has no economic interest.

Percentage of total units beneficially owned is based on 22,386,06323,768,193 common units and 485,065 Class A units outstanding. Except as indicated by footnote, to our knowledge the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all units shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. The address of all of our managers and named executive officers is c/o Constellation Energy Partners LLC, 100 Constellation Way, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.1801 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Ownership amounts are as of September 12, 2008.2011.

 

   Common Units
Beneficially Owned
  Class A Units
Beneficially Owned
  Percentage of
Total Units
Beneficially
Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Percentage 

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.(1)

  5,918,894  27.0% 447,721  100% 28.4%

Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC(2)

  5,918,894  27.0% 447,721  100% 28.4%

Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC(3)

  —    —    447,721  100% 2.0%

GPS Partners LLC(4)

  2,933,726  13.4% —    —    13.1%

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.(5)

  1,207,998  5.5% —    —    5.4%

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.(6)

  1,188,549  5.4% —    —    5.3%

Richard H. Bachmann(7)

  6,449  *  —    —    * 

Stephen R. Brunner

  —    —    —    —    —   

John R. Collins

  —    —    —    —    —   

Andrew C. Kidd

  —    —    —    —    —   

Richard S. Langdon(7)

  5,449  *  —    —    * 

John N. Seitz(7)

  5,449  *  —    —    * 

Charles C. Ward

  —    —    —    —    —   

Felix J. Dawson(8)

  —    —    —    —    —   

Angela A. Minas(9)

  —    —    —    —    —   

All managers and executive officers as a group (7 persons)

  17,347  *  —    —    * 
   Common Units
Beneficially Owned
  Class A Units
Beneficially Owned
  Percentage of
Total Units
Beneficially
Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number   Percentage  Number   Percentage  Percentage 

PostRock Energy Corporation(1)

   3,128,670     13.2  485,065     100  14.9

Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC(1)

   3,128,670     13.2  485,065     100  14.9

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.(2)

   2,790,224     11.7  —       —      11.5

Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC(2)

   2,790,224     11.7  —       —      11.5

Essex Equity Capital Management, LLC(3)

   1,219,006     5.1  —       —      5.0

Richard H. Bachmann

   60,612     *    —       —      *  

Stephen R. Brunner

   734,730     3.1  —       —      3.0

John R. Collins

   —       —      —       —      —    

Michael B. Hiney

   99,678     *       *  

Richard S. Langdon

   40,100     *    —       —      *  

Hugh M. McIntosh

   —       —      —       —      —    

Lisa J. Mellencamp

   193,882     *       *  

John N. Seitz

   51,612     *    —       —      *  

Charles C. Ward

   297,607     1.3  —       —      1.2

All managers and named executive officers as a group (9 persons)

   1,478,221     6.2  —       —      6.1

 

*Less than 1%

 

(1)Ownership data as reported on Schedule 13D filed on August 18, 2011, by Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC, PostRock Energy Corporation, White Deer Energy L.P., White Deer Energy TE L.P., White Deer Energy FI L.P., Edelman & Guill Energy L.P., Edelman & Guill Energy Ltd., Thomas J. Edelman, and Ben A. Guill. PostRock Energy Corporation, through its direct ownership of Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC, may be deemed to beneficially own the Class B common units and Class A units held by Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC. The address of PostRock Energy Corporation and Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC is 210 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102. The address of the other entities reported is White Deer Management LLC, 700 Louisiana, Suite 4770, Houston, TX 77002.

(2)Constellation Energy Group, Inc., through its direct and indirect ownership of Constellation Enterprises, Inc., Constellation Holdings, Inc. and Constellation Power Source Holdings, Inc., is the ultimate parent company of Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC and Constellation Energy Partners Management,

LLC and may, therefore, be deemed to beneficially own the Common Units held by Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC and the Class A units held by Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC. The address of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. is 100 Constellation Way, Baltimore, MD 21202.

(2)Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC is the parent company of Constellation Energy Partners Management, LLC and may, therefore, be deemed to beneficially own the Class AB common units held by Constellation Energy Partners Management,Holdings, LLC. The address of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Constellation Energy Partners Holdings, LLC is 100 Constellation Way, Baltimore, MD 21202.

 

(3)

Ownership data as reported on Schedule 13G filed on July 22, 2011, by Essex Equity Capital Management, LLC, Essex Equity Joint Investment Vehicle, LLC, Richmond Hill Investment Co., LP, Richmond Hill Capital Management, LLC, Richmond Hill Advisors, LLC, and Ryan P. Taylor. The address of Constellation Energy PartnersEssex Equity Capital Management, LLC is 100 Constellation Way, Baltimore, MD 21202.

(4)Based on Schedule 13G dated July 9, 2008, Brett S. Messing is the control person of GPS Partners LLC. The address of GPS Partners LLC is 2120 Colorado Ave. Suite 250, Santa Monica, California 90404.

(5)Based on Schedule 13G dated July 23, 2008, these units are owned by investment accounts (investment limited partnerships, a registered investment company and institutional accounts) managed, with discretion to purchase or sell securities, by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., as a registered investment adviser. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. is the general partner (or general partner of the general partner) of the limited partnerships and investment adviser to the other accounts. Richard A. Kayne is the controlling shareholder of the corporate owner of Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc., the general partner of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. Mr. Kayne is also a limited partner of each of the limited partnerships and a shareholder of the registered investment company. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. disclaims beneficial ownership of the units reported, except those units attributable to it by virtue of its general partner interests in the limited partnerships. Mr. Kayne disclaims beneficial ownership of the units reported, except those units held by him or attributable to him by virtue of his limited partnership interests in the limited partnerships, his indirect interest in the interest of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. in the limited partnerships, and his ownership of common stock of the registered investment company. The address of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. is 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Second375 Hudson Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067.

(6)Based on a Form 13F Holdings Report filed by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The address of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is 745 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019.

(7)Includes unvested restricted Common Unit awards issued on March 1, 2008.10014. The grant date fair value of each manager’s stock award was $75,000. These restricted Common Units will vest in full on March 1, 2009. The grant of restricted Common Units forfeits on a pro rata basis if service as a manager terminates prior to the vesting date of March 1, 2009.

(8)Mr. Dawson served as an executive officer of our company as of the end of our last fiscal year. He served as our Chief Executive Officerfiling lists 1,133,299 Class B common units owned by Essex Equity Joint Investment Vehicle, LLC and President until March 14, 2008 and resigned as a85,707 Class A manager and Chairman of the board of managers of our company effective May 2, 2008.

B common units owned by Richmond Hill Capital Partners, LP.

(9)Ms. Minas served as an executive officer of our company as of the end of our last fiscal year. She resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of our company effective March 14, 2008.

Executive Compensation

We were formed in February 2005 andDuring 2008, we did not begin operations untildirectly employ any of the persons responsible for managing our acquisitionbusiness. Our named executive officers were compensated by CCG under the compensation policies of Constellation. We reimbursed a subsidiary of Constellation for a portion of the compensation paid to our executive officers by CCG pursuant to the management services agreement. Beginning January 1, 2009, we transitioned from Constellation to us the employment of those executive officers and certain other employees who provided services to our company, and we began compensating our executive officers and other employees directly. Constellation terminated the master services agreement with us effective December 15, 2009. This ended Constellation’s role as our sponsor. During 2009, we transitioned our executive officers, certain employees, and services from being provided by Constellation to CEP. The transition of our initial properties in the Black Warrior Basin from Everlast in June 2005. To date,executive management team and our compensation actions taken during 2010 are further described below. Through December 31, 2008, all of our currentexecutive officers have beenwere employees of Constellation or its affiliates, and they have received no additional compensation from us. CEPM will manage certain of our operations and activities through its officers and employees pursuant to the management services agreement under the direction of our board of managers and executive officers. As discussed inDistributionsunder “Distributions and Payments to CCG, CEPH, CHI and CEPM—Payments to CEPMConstellation Entities”, we will reimburse CEPMreimbursed Constellation for direct and indirect general and administrative expenses incurred on our behalf, including the compensation of our executive officers. We did not reimburse CEPMEach quarter, Constellation charged us an amount for services provided. This amount was agreed to annually and included a portion of the compensation paid by Constellation and its affiliates to personnel who spent time on our business and affairs. The allocation of compensation expense for the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer was fixed at $150,000 each by agreement between the parties for 2008. The allocation of compensation expense for other personnel of Constellation and its affiliates was determined based on the percentage of time spent by such personnel on our business and affairs. The conflicts committee of our board of managers reviewed at least annually the services that were provided by Constellation and the costs charged to us under the management services agreement and reviewed the cost allocation quarterly. The conflicts committee also determined that the amounts to be paid by us for the services performed were fair to and in our best interests. During the year, the cost allocation was adjusted upwards to reflect additional services provided by Constellation and its affiliates or downwards to reflect the reduction of services provided by Constellation and its affiliates and the transition of services to CEP employees.

Transition of the Executive Management Team to CEP

During 2009, the services of our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and president; chief financial officer and treasurer; and chief accounting officer and controller were transitioned from being provided by Constellation under the management services agreement to being provided as direct employees of a subsidiary of CEP. In addition, a general counsel was appointed and transitioned from being an employee of CCG. This transition was undertaken because of concerns about Constellation’s commitment to sponsor us, in part due to its announcement that it intended to sell its upstream gas assets and concerns about the strength and focus of its business and its financial position. The transition was intended to align our management team with the interests of our unitholders and to increase their focus on our business operations. Previously, the executive management

team, certain other employees, and most administrative services were provided by Constellation under the management services agreement. Constellation terminated this management services agreement on December 15, 2009, which effectively ended Constellation’s role as our sponsor.

As part of this transition, the compensation committee of the board of managers retained Hewitt Associates LLC (“Hewitt”) to develop and review proposed compensation structures for the named executive officers. Hewitt benchmarked compensation of our executive officers that was paid by CCG for 2006. We reimbursed CEPM a fixed amount in 2007 for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as set forth in the table below. Our named executive officers relative to comparable positions among a peer group of 11 exploration and production companies intended to generally reflect the market in which we compete for 2008,executive talent. The primary considerations used in the selection of the peer group companies included financial, valuation and operational criteria. The peer group used to benchmark 2009 compensation for our named executive officers consisted of the following companies:

Callon Petroleum Company, Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., Delta Petroleum Corp., Edge Petroleum Corp., Goodrich Petroleum Corp., Legacy Reserves LP, McMoRan Exploration Company, Petroquest Energy, Inc., Rosetta Resources, Inc., Venoco, Inc., and Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC.

Based on the benchmarking data, Hewitt assisted the compensation committee in developing a compensation mix that included a base salary, performance-based bonus awards, long-term incentives consisting of unit-based compensation, and one-time, inducement sign-on bonuses. The compensation mix was developed such that total direct compensation for the named executive officers approximated competitive market median levels and was heavily weighted to time based compensation, including restricted common units of CEP. The total direct compensation, as approved by the compensation committee, included a base salary and bonus award payouts based on future performance on selected performance measures. The performance awards were intended to be correlated to the creation of value for our unitholders and to balance growth, profitability, and efficient utilization of capital resources. The performance measures corresponded to our board-approved business plan and included measures that are commonly used at other comparable E&P companies. The payout against the performance award opportunities was made at the discretion of the compensation committee and was intended to include a threshold level of minimum acceptable performance, a target level of performance, and a maximum level of performance that reflected the achievement of superior performance. The time based compensation was intended to retain the management team and align it with the interests of the unitholders. The compensation committee did not require specific unit ownership targets for the executive officers.

Employment Agreements

As part of the transition, we entered into definitive employment agreements on May 1, 2009, with each of our named executive officers. The terms of these employment agreements were effective for 2009 and 2010.

Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Brunner received in 2010:

a $300,000 annual base salary;

the right to participate in the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, including an annual performance award under the plan that will be determined by the compensation committee of our board of managers, and that may pay up to 200% of Mr. Brunner’s base salary for superior performance (100% for target-level performance);

a grant pursuant to a grant agreement (a “Grant Agreement”) of 233,577 units under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, vested based on time in five equal annual installments beginning in March 2011; and

an inducement bonus (an “Inducement Bonus”) of $450,000 cash and 53,957 restricted common units of the company with an aggregate grant-date value of approximately $166,727 based on the closing price per unit on May 1, 2009, with 50% of the total value of the Inducement Bonus vesting and becoming payable on each of January 1, 2010 and 2011.

Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Ward received in 2010:

a $225,000 annual base salary;

the right to participate in the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, including an annual performance award under the plan that will be determined by the compensation committee, and that may pay up to 150% of Mr. Ward’s base salary for superior performance (75% for target-level performance);

a grant pursuant to a Grant Agreement of 77,859 units under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, vested based on time in five equal annual installments beginning in March 2011; and

an Inducement Bonus of $337,500 cash and 40,468 restricted common units with an aggregate grant-date value of approximately $125,046 based on the closing price per unit on May 1, 2009, with 50% of the total value of the Inducement Bonus vesting and becoming payable on each of January 1, 2010 and 2011.

Pursuant to the terms of her employment agreement, Ms. Mellencamp received in 2010:

a $200,000 annual base salary;

the right to participate in the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, including an annual performance award under the plan that will be determined by the compensation committee, and that may pay up to 130% of Ms. Mellencamp’s base salary for superior performance (65% for target-level performance);

a grant pursuant to a Grant Agreement of 58,395 units under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, vested based on time in five equal annual installments beginning in March 2011; and

an Inducement Bonus of $300,000 cash and 35,971 restricted common units with an aggregate grant-date value of approximately $111,150 based on the closing price per unit on May 1, 2009, with 50% of the total value of the Inducement Bonus vesting and becoming payable on each of January 1, 2010 and 2011.

Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Hiney received in 2010:

a $175,000 annual base salary;

the right to participate in the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, including an annual performance award under the plan that will be determined by the compensation committee, and that may pay up to 80% of Mr. Hiney’s base salary for superior performance (55% for target-level performance);

a grant pursuant to a Grant Agreement of 25,548 units under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, vested based on time in five equal annual installments beginning in March 2011; and

an Inducement Bonus of $262,500 cash and 31,475 restricted common units with an aggregate grant-date value of approximately $97,258 based on the closing price per unit on May 1, 2009, with 50% of the total value of the Inducement Bonus vesting and becoming payable on each of January 1, 2010 and 2011.

Termination of Employment

Each executive’s employment may be terminated at any time and for any reason by either or both of the company and the executive. Except as described below, if the executive terminates his or her employment, all

unvested or unearned awards (including the awards made under the Grant Agreements and the Inducement Bonus) will be forfeited.

If the executive’s employment is terminated in connection with an “Involuntary Termination” at any time prior to a change of control of the company or after two years have elapsed following a change of control, the company will, pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements, make payments and take actions as follows (such payments and actions, the “Severance Amount”):

make a cash payment of (i) one and one-half times the executive’s then-current annual compensation, which includes Stephen R.(A) the target-level bonus plus (B) the greater of the annual base salary in effect on the date of the Involuntary Termination or the annual base salary in effect 180 days prior to the Involuntary Termination, plus (ii) any part of the Inducement Bonus not already paid;

cause any unvested awards granted under the Plan or pursuant to the Inducement Award Agreement to become immediately vested and cause any and all nonqualified deferred compensation to become immediately nonforfeitable; and

cause a continuation of medical and dental benefits for one year following the Involuntary Termination.

If the executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the executive through the exercise of the Special Termination Option (described below) or (ii) in connection with an Involuntary Termination during the two-year period following a change of control of the company, the company will, pursuant to the terms of his or her Employment Agreement, make payments and take actions as follows (such payments and actions, the “Enhanced Severance Amount”):

make a cash payment of (i) two times the executive’s then-current annual compensation, which includes (A) the target level bonus plus (B) the greater of the annual base salary in effect on the date of the Involuntary Termination, the annual base salary in effect 180 days prior to the Involuntary Termination, or the annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the change of control, plus (ii) any part of the Inducement Bonus not already paid, plus (iii) the performance award and target-based grants payable under the Plan for the then-current year, paid as if the target-level performance was achieved for the entire year, prorated based on the number of whole or partial months completed at the time of the Involuntary Termination;

cause any unvested awards granted under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan or pursuant to the Inducement Award Agreement to become immediately vested and cause any and all nonqualified deferred compensation to become immediately nonforfeitable;

cause a continuation of medical and dental benefits for one year following the change of control; and

provide for a full tax gross-up in connection with any excise tax levied on the items described in the preceding three bullets.

The “Special Termination Option” permits each executive to terminate his or her employment at any time within the one-year period following the acquisition by Constellation or its affiliates of at least 49% of our outstanding common units.

The Severance Amount and Enhanced Severance Amount are contingent on the execution of a release of any claims the terminated executive may have against us and our affiliates. In addition, any such amounts must be repaid if a final and non-appealable judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction finding that the executive’s conduct in performance of his or her duties under the employment agreement constituted willful misconduct.

The initial term of the employment agreements will expire on the third anniversary of each employment agreement unless sooner terminated in accordance with the employment agreement. If the agreements have not otherwise been terminated prior to the expiration of the initial term, the employment agreements will

automatically be extended for an additional one-year period unless either party to such employment agreement delivers written notice 180 days prior to the expiration of the initial term. We guaranteed the obligations of CEP Services Company, Inc. under the employment agreements.

Grant Agreements Related to Notional Units to Executive Officers

Grants Made Under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan

To further align the interests of the management team with unitholders, notional unit grants have been made under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan pursuant to Grant Agreements, dated May 1, 2009, by and between the company and each of Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp. The 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan was adopted and approved by our current Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officerboard of managers on April 28, 2009, subject to approval by the company’s common unitholders. Upon approval of the plan by the common unitholders on December 1, 2009, the notional units granted to Messrs. Brunner, Ward and PresidentHiney and Charles C.Ms. Mellencamp automatically converted into the same number of restricted common units. Grants of restricted common units under this plan were also made to each of Messrs. Brunner, Ward our current Chief Financial Officer, are each expectedand Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp during 2010.

Distribution Equivalent Rights

Each notional unit and restricted common unit granted under the Grant Agreements carries the right to receive similardistribution credits when any distributions are made by us on our common units. Any distribution credits will accrue under the Grant Agreement and be settled in cash or common units in the discretion of the compensation committee on the vesting date for the underlying notional unit or restricted common unit, as applicable. Upon approval of the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan by the common unitholders, the accrued distribution credits on the notional units increased the number of restricted common units that are issued upon conversion of the notional units as described above.

Vesting; Forfeiture; Change of Control

The restricted common units under the Grant Agreements will vest ratably on January 1, 2010 and the next four anniversaries of that date. The terms of the employment agreements will govern the forfeiture or accelerated vesting of the restricted common units.

Inducement Award Agreements With Executive Officers

The Inducement Bonuses were granted pursuant to Inducement Award Agreements entered into on May 1, 2009 by and between the company and each of Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp, without unitholder approval in 2008.reliance on the exemption provided in NYSE Arca rule 5.3(d)(5)(A).

Each restricted common unit granted in the Inducement Bonuses carries the right to receive distribution credits when any distributions are made on our common units. Any distribution credits will accrue under the Grant Agreement and be settled in cash or common units in the discretion of the compensation committee on the vesting date for the underlying restricted common unit. The terms of the employment agreements will govern the forfeiture or accelerated vesting of the Inducement Bonuses.

An explanation of our 2010 compensation actions and our plans for 2011 is discussed below in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation of our two named executive officers for 20072010 and 2009 and the compensation of our named executive officers for 2008 for which we havepaid or reimbursed or will reimburse CEPM. No reimbursable compensation was paid in 2006.Constellation:

 

Name and Principal Position

  Annual Salary 

Felix J. Dawson, Chief Executive Officer and President(1)

  $150,000(3)(4)

Angela A. Minas, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer(2)

  $150,000(3)(4)

Name and Principal Position

  Year   Salary   Cash
Bonus(a)
   Unit
Grants(b)
   All Other
Compensation(c)
   Total 

Stephen R. Brunner

   2010    $300,000    $300,000    $808,176    $248,260    $1,656,436  

Chief Executive Officer, Chief

   2009    $300,000    $300,000    $1,563,672    $18,492    $2,182,164  

Operating Officer, and

   2008    $120,000    $—      $—      $—      $120,000  

President(d)(e)

            

Michael B. Hiney

   2010    $175,000    $96,250    $88,396    $141,916    $501,562  

Chief Accounting Officer and

   2009    $175,000    $70,000    $253,429    $10,726    $509,155  

Controller(d)(e)

   2008    $150,000    $—      $—      $—      $150,000  

Lisa J. Mellencamp

   2010    $200,000    $130,000    $202,047    $167,340    $699,387  

General Counsel and Secretary

   2009    $200,000    $130,000    $463,309    $12,538    $805,847  
   2008    $—      $—      $—      $—      $—    

Charles C. Ward

   2010    $225,000    $168,750    $269,392    $187,015    $850,157  

Chief Financial Officer and

   2009    $225,000    $168,750    $651,531    $12,988    $1,058,269  

Treasurer(d)(e)

   2008    $120,000    $—      $—      $—      $120,000  

 

(1)(a)Mr. Dawson served asThe amount in this column for 2010 and 2009 reflects each named employee’s annual cash incentive bonus earned for 2010 and 2009 performance. The annual cash incentive bonuses were determined by our Chief Executive Officercompensation committee based on assessments of both company and President until March 14, 2008.individual performance. The amounts for each of Messrs. Brunner, Hiney, and Ward and Ms. Mellencamp were awarded in recognition of the achievement of overall performance at a target level.

 

(2)(b)Ms. Minas served asThe amount in this column reflects the grant date fair value of all unit awards in 2009 and 2010 calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant amount was computed based on the average of the closing price of our Chiefcommon units on the NYSE Arca for the 20 trading days prior to the date of grant, rounded to the nearest unit. These unit awards vest between 2011 and 2015. See Part IV. “Exhibits and Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer until March 14, 2008.Statements Schedules—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-12. Unit-Based Compensation” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further information.

 

(3)(c)RepresentsThe amount in this column reflects the vested amount of the one-time inducement sign-on bonus, the amount of matching contributions made to each employee under our 401k plan and the cost of life insurance equal to the executive officer’s salary. The one-time inducement sign-on bonus for Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp was $225,000, $168,750, $131,250, and $150,000, respectively.

(d)The amounts for our executive officers in 2008 represents the fixed amount that we have agreed to pay for the services of these two named executive officers under the management services agreement and excludes the amount of any bonus, benefits, and cash and non-cash incentive awards to such officers paid by CCG, which incentive award amount(s)amounts we willwere not be required to reimburse CCG.reimburse. Messrs. Brunner and Ward became executive officers March 14, 2008 and their fixed base salaries were reimbursed through the management services agreement. Mr. Hiney’s fixed base salary was reimbursed through the management services agreement for 2008.

 

(4)(e)OurDuring 2008, our executive officers may participatehave participated in the benefit plans of Constellation and its affiliates. There areDuring 2008, there were no CEP benefitbenefits plans underin which such officers may participate.participated.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2010

The following table sets forth the grants of plan-based awards to our named executive officers for 2010:

Name

      Grant
date
   Compensation
Committee
approval date
   All other
unit awards:
number of
units
   Grant date
fair value
of units
awarded
 

Stephen R. Brunner

   (a)     3/1/2010     3/1/2010     233,577    $808,176  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         233,577    $808,176  

Michael B. Hiney

   (a)     3/1/2010     3/1/2010     25,548    $88,396  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         25,548    $88,396  

Lisa J. Mellencamp

   (a)     3/1/2010     3/1/2010     58,395    $202,047  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         58,395    $202,047  

Charles C. Ward

   (a)     3/1/2010     3/1/2010     77,859    $269,047  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         77,859    $269,047  

(a)Issued pursuant to the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. “See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Unit-Based Compensation—2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.”

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth the outstanding equity awards and their market value using the closing price of our common units at December 31, 2010 for our named executive officers:

   Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2010

Name

  Number of
Units Not
Vested
   Market Value of Units
Not Vested
   

Vesting Dates

Stephen R. Brunner

   27,915    $77,604    1/1/2011
   357,296    $993,283    25% over 4 years beginning 1/1/2011
   233,577    $649,344    20% over 5 years beginning 3/1/2011
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
   618,788    $1,720,231    

Michael B. Hiney

   16,284    $45,270    1/1/2011
   39,094    $108,681    25% over 4 years beginning 1/1/2011
   25,548    $71,023    20% over 5 years beginning 3/1/2011
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
   80,926    $224,974    

Lisa J. Mellencamp

   18,610    $51,736    1/1/2011
   89,325    $248,324    25% over 4 years beginning 1/1/2011
   58,395    $162,338    20% over 5 years beginning 3/1/2011
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
   166,330    $462,398    

Charles C. Ward

   20,936    $58,202    1/1/2011
   133,987    $372,484    25% over 4 years beginning 1/1/2011
   77,859    $216,448    20% over 5 years beginning 3/1/2011
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
   232,782    $647,134    

Vested Equity Awards for the Fiscal Year

The following table sets forth the outstanding equity awards and their market value using the closing price of our common units on the vesting date for our named executive officers that were realized by each named executive officer in 2010:

    Number of
Restricted Common
Units Vested in 2010
   Value of Restricted
Common Units Vested in
2010
 

Stephen R. Brunner

   113,309    $484,963  

Michael B. Hiney

   25,183    $107,783  

Lisa J. Mellencamp

   39,567    $169,347  

Charles C. Ward

   52,608    $225,162  

Potential Payments Upon Voluntary Termination, Involuntary Termination or Change In Control

We do notAs of December 31, 2010, we have any contracts,employment agreements plans or arrangementsin place that provide for payments to the named executive officers in connection with any terminationcertain voluntary or involuntary terminations of such officersthe individual or a change in control of us.CEP. The following table summarizes the value of these provisions of these employment agreements if the named executive officer is entitled to a severance amount because of an involuntary termination (including a resignation by the officer for an event of good reason thereunder) other than during a change of control as of December 31, 2010:

   Severance Amount 

Name

  Cash Value of
Salary and Bonus
   Market Value of
Units To Be Vested
   All Other
Compensation(a)
   Total Severance 

Stephen R. Brunner

  $900,000    $1,720,231    $244,068    $2,864,299  

Michael B. Hiney

  $406,875    $224,974    $138,378    $770,227  

Lisa J. Mellencamp

  $495,000    $462,397    $150,000    $1,107,397  

Charles C. Ward

  $590,625    $647,134    $187,818    $1,425,577  

(a)All Other Compensation represents the cash value of 50% of the one-time cash inducement bonus that vested on January 1, 2011, as well as the value of medical and dental insurance for one year. The one-time inducement sign-on bonus for Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp was $225,000, $168,750, $131,250, and $150,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes the value of these provisions of these employment agreements if the named executive officer is entitled to an enhanced severance amount because of an involuntary termination (including a resignation by the officer for an event of good reason thereunder) during a change of control period or the named executive terminates his or her employment within a one year period following the acquisition by Constellation or its affiliates of at least 49% of our outstanding common units as of December 31, 2010:

   Enhanced Severance Amount 

Name

  Cash Value of
Salary and Bonus
   Market Value of
Units To Be Vested
   All Other
Compensation(a)
   Excise  Tax(b)   Total Enhanced
Severance
 

Stephen R. Brunner

  $1,500,000    $1,720,231    $244,068    $759,134    $4,223,433  

Michael B. Hiney

  $560,000    $224,974    $138,378    $216,774    $1,140,126  

Lisa J. Mellencamp

  $790,000    $462,397    $150,000    $332,342    $1,734,739  

Charles C. Ward

  $956,250    $647,134    $187,818    $433,278    $2,224,480  

(a)All Other Compensation represents the cash value of 50% of the one-time inducement cash bonus that vested on January 1, 2011, as well as the value of medical and dental insurance for one year. The one-time inducement sign-on bonus for Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp was $225,000, $168,750, $131,250, and $150,000, respectively.

(b)Excise tax is calculated in accordance with IRS Regulation 1.280G-1 and using 2010 Form W-2 income from CEP Services Company, Inc.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

We do not directly employ anyOverview

This compensation discussion and analysis provides a description of the persons responsiblematerial elements of our executive compensation programs, as well as perspective and context for managing our business. Our named executive officers are compensated by CCG underdecisions made during 2010 regarding the compensation policies of Constellation. We reimburse CEPM for a portion of the compensation paid to our named executive officers by CCG pursuant to our management services agreement. The elements of Constellation’swho are identified below:

Mr. Stephen R. Brunner, Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and CCG’s compensation program are intended to provide a total compensation package designed to drive performancePresident

Mr. Charles C. Ward, Chief Financial Officer and reward contributions in support of the businessTreasurer

strategies of Constellation

Ms. Lisa J. Mellencamp, General Counsel and its affiliates. For 2008, we have agreed to reimburse ConstellationSecretary

Mr. Michael B. Hiney, Chief Accounting Officer and CCG underController

the management services agreement for $150,000 in base salary for each of our named executive officers. Any other compensation, bonus, benefits, incentives, perquisites and other personal benefits paid by Constellation or CCG to our named executive officers will not be reimbursed. During 2006, our named executive officers were not specifically compensated for time expended with respect to our business or assets. Accordingly, we are not presenting any compensation information for that year.

We have a compensation committee that consists of three managers who are all independent under the independence standards established by NYSE Arca and SEC rules. The compensation committee will establishestablishes and reviewreviews general policies related to our compensation and benefits. The compensation committee will determinedetermines and approve, or make recommendations to the board of managers with respect to,approves the compensation and benefits of our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers. We currently intend to pay no additional remuneration to employees of Constellation and its affiliates who also serve as our executive officers, provided that this compensation policy could change from time to time.

The compensation committee is authorized to retain compensation consultants at company expense and obtain any compensation survey,surveys or reports onregarding the design and implementation of compensation programs or other services of compensation experts or consultants that it may find necessary in designing, implementing or administering compensation programs. NoDuring 2010 and 2009, the compensation committee retained Hewitt to assist with compensation matters. On October 1, 2010 the lead Hewitt consultant transitioned to Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”), an independent firm which was formed through a planned separation of a significant portion of the executive compensation consulting practice from Hewitt. After a review of the independence factors approved by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act for compensation consultants and considering Meridian’s independence based on such expertsfactors, the committee confirmed the retention of Meridian in November 2010. The amounts paid to each of Meridian and Hewitt in 2010 were retainedless than $120,000.

Executive Summary

Our overall compensation structure is designed to align our executive’s compensation with our business strategies and annual business plan that is approved by our board of managers. We maintain a compensation mix that includes a base salary, annual performance-based cash bonus awards, long-term incentives consisting of unit-based compensation, and one-time, inducement sign-on bonuses.

Compensation Philosophy

Our compensation philosophy is founded on the guiding principles that the company’s compensation programs will be:

aligned with the long-term interest of the company’s unitholders;

performance-based to motivate strong company and individual performance and reward management for achieving results;

competitive with market practices to enable the company to attract and retain management and technical talent;

flexible to optimize the value and efficiency of compensation programs; and

transparent, straightforward, and well-communicated to facilitate a strong understanding by all stakeholders, both internally and externally.

In developing our compensation program, we also considered: 1) the necessity of transitioning and inducing our management from being employees of an affiliate of our former sponsor to being employees of our company, 2) the positioning of our company in 2007its early life cycle to ensure that we have the necessary leadership, experience and technical skills to operate our company, 3) the current competitive environment for oilfield executive and managerial talent, and 4) our financial position.

Our compensation policies are also intended to focus the efforts of our named executive officers and our employees on the achievement of our 2010 business plan which included both operational and financial targets. During 2010, our company’s performance exceeded or were consultedachieved the metrics and goals set forth in relationour 2010 business plan that was approved by our board of managers, Actual compensation awarded to individuals is generally based on the company’s achievement of its annual business plan that was reviewed and approved by our board of managers as well as such individual’s contribution towards meeting the plan.

For 2010, in light of our focus on debt reduction and continued low natural gas prices, the compensation committee determined it would be appropriate to freeze base salaries at the 2009 levels for our named executive officers and all employees except for salary increases related to promotions. In addition, the compensation committee determined it would be appropriate to reduce the 2010 unit grants made to our 2007executive officers and certain other key employees under our unit-based compensation programs to 80% of targeted value for unit-based compensation. These actions were intended to limit total cash compensation expenses and reflected the number of remaining units available from which to make grants under our unit-based compensation programs due to a decline in the market price of our common units. In recognition of performance that exceeded or achieved the metrics and goals set forth in our 2010 business plan, the compensation committee approved the annual performance-based awards for our named executive officers at target levels. Additionally for 2010, the compensation committee requested that Hewitt conduct a review of the overall competitiveness of the compensation for Mr. Brunner. This review indicated that Mr. Brunner’s base salary and target total cash compensation were below the 25th percentile of that of the CEOs of a peer group of 13 selected exploration and production (“E&P”) companies and that his total compensation was positioned between the median and the 75% percentile relative to 2009 peer company levels largely as a result of the value of his long-term incentive awards. The study confirmed that the compensation for Mr. Brunner was heavily weighted towards long-term incentives, particularly grants of restricted common units that vest over 5 years. The compensation committee took no actions as result of this study but Hewitt was to continue to monitor developments among the peer companies and determine if further changes to the peer group may be appropriate for 2011.

Benchmarking Compensation

In setting the compensation of our named executive officers for 2009, our compensation committee analyzed the market compensation practices of a peer group of 11 E&P companies for each executive position and considered such information when setting total compensation. The peer group was intended to generally reflect the market in which we compete for executive talent. The primary considerations used in the selection of the peer group companies included financial, valuation and operational criteria. The peer group used to benchmark 2009 compensation for the named executive officers consisted of the following companies: Callon Petroleum Company; Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.; Delta Petroleum Corp.; Edge Petroleum Corp.; Goodrich Petroleum Corp.; Legacy Reserves LP; McMoRan Exploration Company; Petroquest Energy, Inc.; Rosetta Resources, Inc.; Venoco, Inc.; and Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC. Compensation for each executive was set giving a heavy weighting to time-based compensation in the form of restricted units of our company and notional units which automatically converted to restricted units of our company when our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan was approved by our unitholders so as to align the management team with the interests of our unitholders. Although the compensation committee did not establish any particular benchmark as a percentile of the industry median for the particular elements of our named executives’ compensation, the committee did desire that our named executives’ total compensation be approximately in the median of the peer group. For 2009, our compensation committee set total compensation consisting of base salary, performance-based cash bonus awards (assuming a target performance bonus award), and long-term incentives consisting of unit-based compensation at

approximately 10% to 20% below the peer group median based on the benchmarking data developed for each of the named executive officers. As a one-time incentive to induce the named executive officers to become our employees and to provide a retention incentive, the compensation committee also awarded each named executive a one-time inducement sign-on bonus, vesting 50% on each of January 1, 2010 and 2011. With the addition of the inducement bonus, the total compensation of the named executive officers for 2009 was generally just above the median of the peer group.

During the first quarter of 2011, the compensation committee reviewed the compensation levels for our named executive officers and our other employees. The committee examined comparable market compensation data for 2010 contained in E&P industry compensation surveys and an executive compensation analysis prepared by Meridian. As part of this review, Meridian updated the peer group of E&P companies used to assess the overall competitiveness of the executives’ compensation based on assets, revenues, reserves, standardized measure, market capitalization, enterprise value, and scope of operations. As a result, 4 companies were added (Gastar Exploration Ltd., GMX Resources Inc., PostRock Energy Corporation, and Stone Energy Corporation) while 7 companies were removed (Approach Reserves Inc., Goodrich Petroleum Corp., Legacy Reserves LP, McMoRan Exploration Company, Petroleum Development Corporation, and Venoco, Inc.). The resulting peer group now contains 10 companies, 6 of which remain constant from the peer groups used to benchmark compensation for 2010 and 2009. The peer group used to benchmark 2011 compensation for the named executive officers now includes the following companies: Brigham Exploration Company; Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.; Crimson Exploration Inc.; Gastar Exploration Ltd.; GMX Resources Inc.; PetroQuest Energy, Inc.; PostRock Energy Corporation.; Rosetta Resources Inc.; Stone Energy Corporation; and Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC. The peer companies provide an overall fit with our geographic footprint and our strategic focus on unconventional natural gas resources. The E&P industry surveys indicated that the 2010 compensation levels for our named executive officers and certain of our other employees were below median levels of comparable companies. The Meridian peer group analysis confirmed that the total compensation for our named executive officers was positioned 34% below peer benchmark median levels and that total compensation for our named executive officers also fell below the 25th percentile. Additionally, for 2010, the total cash compensation was positioned 20% below the median and long-term incentive award values were 29% below the median and were generally aligned at below the 25th percentile of peer benchmark levels, partially as a result of the decision to freeze base salaries for 2010 and the vesting of 50% of the inducement bonus.

Based on this review, the compensation committee undertook actions that would narrow the gap between our compensation levels and the benchmark median. As further discussed below, the compensation committee increased the 2011 base salaries for our named executive officers and other employees and granted unit-based awards under our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan to our named executive officers. These actions were necessary in order to make our compensation more comparable with market practices and to enable the company to retain management and operational and technical talent needed to operate the business.

Elements of Compensation

With the help of our compensation consultant, we have developed a compensation mix that includes a base salary, annual performance-based cash bonus awards, long-term incentives consisting of unit-based compensation, and one-time, inducement sign-on bonuses. Our compensation committee annually reviews and approves the compensation paid to our non-employee managers, executive officers, and employees. The committee approves our annual salary budgets, including increases to base pay, and approves our annual performance-based bonus award pool and long-term incentive equity award pool for all employees. The base salaries, performance-based bonus awards and long-term incentive equity awards for the executive officers, other than the chief executive officer, are proposed to the compensation committee by our chief executive officer; the compensation recommendations for the chief executive officer are developed by the compensation committee. The compensation committee, in its discretion, makes the final determination about the amount of each executive officer’s compensation using comparative market data, the level of achievement of our annual business plans, our performance against our peer group, individual executive officer performance, scope of job responsibilities, and

the individual’s industry experience, technical skills and tenure. From November 2010, the compensation committee, in its discretion, makes the final determination about the amount of our chief executive officer’s compensation, and recommends to our board of managers the amount of our other named executive officers’ compensation, which our board, in its discretion, finally determines.

The following is a discussion of the major components of our compensation program:

Base Salary

Our base salaries are intended to provide an assured base level of sufficient cash compensation to motivate our executives and employees. Base salaries are reviewed annually with adjustments made based on market conditions, individual performance, and internal equity considerations. For 2010, in light of market conditions and our desire to reduce expenses to provide for additional funds to reduce our outstanding debt level, the compensation committee determined it would be appropriate to freeze base salaries at the 2009 levels for our named executive officers and all employees except for salary increases related to promotions.

During 2009, an increase in the base salary pool was approved by the compensation committee for our employees. The increase was approximately 5% above our base salary pool for 2008, excluding our named executive officers and any other new employees hired by us in 2009. This increase in the base salary pool for 2009 was lower than comparable market data suggested was the industry median for an increase from 2008 to 2009. The actual base salary increases that were awarded were based on individual performance and contribution to the achievement of our annual business plans. For our non-management employees hired by us in 2009, base salaries were set at market levels. With respect to our named executive officers, in January 2009, we executed employment agreements with them and our compensation committee set their base salaries after considering Hewitt’s input and market data based on our exploration and production industry peers. See “—Transition of the Executive Management Team to CEP—Employment Agreements” above. The primary considerations used to select the peer group companies included financial, valuation and operational criteria. For our executive officers, the actual base salaries set for 2009 generally were set below the 25th percentile with respect to Mr. Brunner and Ms. Mellencamp, just above the 25th percentile for Mr. Ward, and between the 25th and 50th percentiles for Mr. Hiney of the peer group industry median according to the Hewitt survey. In 2010, the actual base salaries were frozen at 2009 levels, which resulted in base salaries for our executive officers to fall further below comparable market salaries.

For 2011, the compensation committee determined it would be appropriate to increase the base salary pool for our named executive officers and other employees because of market conditions and increased employee turnover. In addition, the freeze of base salaries in 2010 resulted in base salaries for certain of our employees falling significantly below comparable market salaries. This increase in the base salary pool for 2011 still remained lower than comparable market data suggested was the industry median for an increase from 2010 to 2011. The 2011 base salaries for Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp were set at $330,000, $247,500, $220,000, and $192,500, respectively. This increase leaves Mr. Brunner below the 25th percentile of benchmark peer group base salaries and leaves Messrs. Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp approximately 10% below the median of benchmark peer group base salaries. The increase in the 2011 base salary pool for our other employees was approximately 3.5% above our base salary pool for 2010, excluding our named executive officers. The actual base salary increases that were awarded in March 2011 were based on job category, individual performance and contribution to the achievement of our annual business plans. A significant portion of the total increased base salary pool was directed toward field employees in job categories where the annual base salaries were at or below $50,000.

Annual Performance-Based Bonus Awards

We havemaintain an annual performance-based annual bonus award program covering all of our employees, including our named executive officers. The goal of our performance-based bonus award program is to motivate and reward both financial and operational contributions to the achievement of our annual business plan. Our

annual business plans are reviewed and approved by our board of managers. Our compensation committee establishes the annual performance-based bonus award pool at the end of the year after reviewing the company’s performance during the year. Each employee’s bonus opportunity is generally specified as percentage of his or her base salary. The annual bonus opportunity for our named executive officers is set pursuant to their employment agreements. Any cash performance-based awards are paid in March of the following year after the compensation committee has reviewed our company performance against our annual business plan and after the committee has approved the recommended level of performance-based awards, and from November 2010, our board of managers has approved the recommended level of performance-based awards for our named executive officers other than our chief executive officer.

The compensation committee specifically reviews and approves the bonus awards for our named executive officers. The compensation committee believes that cash-based performance awards motivate and reward for achievement of performance objectives, and also support a total compensation program that is competitive within our industry. The target and maximum bonus opportunities for our named executive officers were based on Meridian’s input and market data. See “—Transition of the Executive Management Team to CEP—Employment Agreements” above. The target bonus opportunities (as a percentage of base salary) were generally set at the median of the respective peer group benchmarks. For 2010, the compensation committee increased Mr. Hiney’s target bonus opportunity from 40% of base salary to 55% of base salary for internal equity considerations. The compensation committee has complete discretion about the amount of performance-based bonus awards that is paid to each of our named executive officers, and from November 2010, the board of managers for our named executive officers other than our chief executive officer.

The compensation committee reviewed and approved our performance-based annual bonus awards for our employees generally at their respective 2010 target levels, subject to individual performance measures, which we paid in March 2011. In recognition of performance that exceeded or achieved the metrics and goals set forth in our 2010 business plan, the compensation committee approved the performance-based awards for our named executive officers at target levels, which are 100% of base salary (or $300,000) for Mr. Brunner, 75% of base salary (or $168,750) for Mr. Ward, 65% of base salary (or $130,000) for Ms. Mellencamp, and 55% of base salary (or $96,250) for Mr. Hiney. These payouts are based, in the compensation committee’s and board of manager’s discretion and business judgment, upon satisfactory achievement of our 2010 business plan goals, including those relating to production, operating expenses, drilling capital efficiency, debt reduction, and acquisition activity. In addition, the compensation committee and the board of managers considered the individual performance of the named executive officers toward achievement of our 2010 business plan in establishing the amount of their performance-based awards. For Mr. Brunner, the compensation committee considered his implementation of our company strategy, his ability to improve our operational execution, capital efficiency, risk management and financial performance, and his ability to manage the organization to focus on personnel safety, environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance; for Mr. Ward, the compensation committee and the board of managers considered his ability to manage our borrowing base, his leadership of our business development and acquisition activities, as well as his execution of our risk management plans; for Ms. Mellencamp, the compensation committee and board of managers considered her support in organizing company records, her additional responsibilities of supervising land staff and environmental, health and safety matters, and her efforts to favorably resolve outstanding litigation and legal matters; and for Mr. Hiney, the compensation committee and the board of managers considered his leadership of our accounting and tax functions, his efforts to reduce our costs for administrative and overhead functions, and his efforts to comply with SEC disclosure changes, trends and best practices.

For 2011, we expect that the compensation committee and the board of managers will continue to set the performance-based bonus award opportunities for our named executive officers and other employees, as specified as a percentage of his or her base salary, at similar levels as in 2010. On November 2, 2010, our board of managers approved our 2011 business plan, which is further discussed in “Outlook”. Consistent with prior practice, the compensation committee and the board of managers will exercise its discretion and measure any 2011 performance-based bonus awards to be paid in March 2012 against this business plan, including those

related to production, operating expense, capital efficiency, debt reduction and growth of our company, as well as individual performance of the named executive officers in carrying out our business plan during 2011.

Unit-Based Compensation

We maintain unit-based compensation programs to encourage our non-employee managers, named executive officers, key employees, and consultants to focus on our long-term performance and to provide an opportunity for these individuals to increase their stake in the company through awards, including unit and unit-based grants, that typically vest over a three-year to five-year time period for employees and over a one-year period for our non-employee managers. These long-term unit-based compensation programs provide incentive awards for such individuals to exert maximum efforts for our success. They benefit the company by enhancing the link between the creation of unitholder value and long-term executive incentive compensation, by providing an opportunity for increased equity ownership, which fosters retention, and assisting in maintaining competitive levels of total compensation. We believe that the recipients develop a sense of ownership and personal involvement in the development and financial success of our business and that unit-based compensation encourages them to remain with and devote their best interests to the business of the company, and in doing so, advance the interests of the company and our unitholders. Perhaps most importantly, awards made to our non-employee managers, officers, employees and consultants under the unit-based compensation plans may be structured so as to be settled in common units as opposed to cash in an effort to conserve the amount of available cash or future cash flow from operations to fund our ongoing operations, to reduce outstanding debt and to potentially pay any cash distributions to our unitholders.

Below is a summary of our unit-based compensation programs:

Long-Term Incentive Program

At our initial public offering, we adopted a long-term incentive plan.Long-Term Incentive Plan. This plan is intended to provide an incentive to our non-employee managers, named executive officers, key employees, consultants and managers and those of our affiliates.consultants. We expect thatintend for this plan willto align the interests of those receiving grants with our intention to significantly increase the enterprise valueinterests of our company by allowing for increases in our quarterly distributions.unitholders. This incentive program is expected to promote the expansiongrowth of our business via acquisitionsthrough the efficient developmental drilling of wells on our proved undeveloped and improvedunproved locations and improvement of operational performance. Other thanWe expect that these grants will retain key field employees that came to CEP in four separate acquisitions, build loyalty, and encourage alignment of individual performance with our annual business plan. During 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, grants of restricted common units were made to certain key field employees of our company. All of these grants vest ratably over a three-year period. During 2008 and 2007, grants of restricted common units were also made to our independent managers in September 2007 and March 2008, no othernon-employee managers. All of these grants vested over a one-year period. The Long-Term Incentive Plan contains 450,000 common units, of which 335,529 units have been issuedgranted and only 114,471 remain available for future grants.

2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan

The 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan was adopted and approved by our board of managers on April 28, 2009, and approved by our common unitholders on December 1, 2009. This plan is intended to provide an incentive to our non-employee managers, andnamed executive officers, key employees, and consultants. We intend for this plan to align the interests of those receiving grants with the interests of our unitholders. The 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan contains 1,650,000 common units, of which 1,408,286 units and distribution credits potentially settled in restricted common units have been granted and only 241,714 remain available for future grants.

In 2010, the compensation committee awarded 233,577, 77,859, 25,548 and 58,395 units under this plan to Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp, respectively, which vest over a five-year time period. Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, in 2009 the compensation committee awarded

431,655, 161,871, 47,320 and 107,914 units under this plan to Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp, respectively, which vest over a five-year time period. These unit awards were awarded to our named executive officers in the compensation committee’s discretion to heavily weight their compensation package to unit-based compensation to align the executives with the long-term interest of the company’s unitholders, to provide a retention incentive for these officers, and to provide a more competitive total compensation package when combined with the base salaries and cash bonus performance awards to be paid to the officers. The unit grants awarded in 2010 were lower than 2009 to reflect economic and market conditions that existed at the time the grants were made, as well as the company-specific matters such as a focus on debt reduction and the continued suspension of the quarterly distribution to unitholders. Of the total base salary, target performance-based bonus award, and unit-based compensation for our named executive officers for 2010 and 2009, greater than 50% of the total is time-based over a five-year time period to provide a retention incentive for the officers, provide a substantial portion of their compensation in units instead of cash, and provide alignment with our unitholders.

For the remainder of 2011, we currently expect to grant few, if any, of the units remaining under our Long-Term Incentive Plan and our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan to our non-employee managers, named executive officers, and current key employees, as we have only 356,185 remaining units available under these plans. Instead, the compensation committee and board of managers granted unit-based awards under our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan to our named executive officers in 2011. These unit-based awards will be settled in cash instead of units and executives may earn between 0% and 200% of the number of awards granted based on the achievement of absolute CEP unit price targets during a three-year performance period from January 2011 through December 2013. In 2011 the compensation committee or board of managers, as applicable, awarded unit-based awards, each with a value of $100, valued at $1,000,000 (10,000 unit-based awards), $350,000 (3,500 unit-based awards), $150,000 (1,500 unit-based awards) and $300,000 (3,000 unit-based awards) under this plan to Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp, respectively. Additionally, the compensation committee awarded other key employees a total of approximately $1.3 million (approximately 13,000 unit-based awards) in unit-based awards under the plan in May 2011.

CEP unit price targets and corresponding cash payout levels are as follows:

Threshold—50% cash payout at $3.50/CEP unit

Target—100% cash payout at $4.00/CEP unit

Stretch—200% cash payout at $6.00/CEP unit

Cash payouts for results between these points will be interpolated on a linear basis.

Failure to achieve the threshold CEP unit price will result in no cash payout of the awards granted. The determination of the level of achievement and number of awards earned will be based on a calculation of CEP’s unit price at the end of the performance targets, financial measuresperiod. This price calculation will be based on the average of the closing daily prices for the final 20 trading days of the performance period. In addition, the unit-based awards will vest earlier if any of the following events occur: a “change of control,” a “CEG ownership event,” death of the executive, delivery by the Company of a “disability notice” with respect to the executive, or operational targetsan “involuntary termination” of the executive (with each of the foregoing terms having the corresponding definitions set forth in the respective employment agreement with the Company). Any cash payment will be made at the end of the performance period except in the case of certain change of control events, which may accelerate payment. The program is intended to benefit our unitholders by focusing the recipient’s efforts on increasing our absolute unit price over the performance period.

One-time, Inducement Sign-on Bonuses

In order to encourage CCG employees to transition to CEP, we adopted a one-time, inducement sign-on bonus program that was paid to our executives in a combination of approximately 75% in cash and

approximately 25% in unit-based compensation, as well as to certain other key employees in cash. The inducement bonuses vested 50% on the first anniversary of employment and 50% on the second anniversary of employment. These inducement bonuses were intended to encourage retention and to provide a bridge from CCG’s compensation policies to those of CEP and were a key part of the effort to transition the remaining employees and services being provided by Constellation under the management services agreement to us. For our named executive officers, the inducement bonus was also intended to bring their total compensation for 2009 to just above the 50th percentile of the peer group industry median according to the Hewitt survey. Without the inducement awards, their total compensation, assuming a target performance bonus award, would have been from approximately 10% to 20% below the peer group industry median according to the Hewitt survey. The unit-based component of the inducement bonuses for our named executive officers was also intended to align management with the interest of our unitholders. Messrs. Brunner, Ward and Hiney and Ms. Mellencamp received cash and unit inducement awards in an aggregate amount of $616,727, $462,546, $359,758, and $411,150, respectively (based on the grant date fair value of the unit awards). The amount of the awards was based on the compensation committee’s discretion of an appropriate amount and represented approximately 200% of their annual base salary. This program was successful in retaining our named executives through the second anniversary of their employment in January 2011.

Executive Inducement Bonus Program

An Executive Inducement Bonus Program was adopted and approved by our board of managers on April 28, 2009. The plan was created without unitholder approval in reliance on the exemption provided in NYSE Arca rule 5.3(d)(5)(A). On May 7, 2009, we filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-8 for 300,000 common units associated with potential grants under this program made to our executives. After initial grants were made, the only additional common units that can be issued under this program are for distribution rights in connection with distribution credits. The Executive Inducement Bonus Program contains 300,000 common units, of which 146,552 units and distribution credits potentially settled in restricted common units have yet been developed.granted and 153,448 remain available for future grants. These units are the unit-based component of the one-time inducement bonuses for our named executive officers described above. After the final vesting of outstanding units and the tendering of the associated units for tax withholding which occurred on January 1, 2011, we cancelled all of the 174,385 remaining units that remained unissued under the program.

Other Compensation Policies

Compensation Risk Assessment

Our compensation committee has a risk assessment process for compensation programs and found no policies or practices that would rise to the level of being reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company. We believe our compensation programs do not encourage our employees to take excessive risks to achieve larger performance-based bonus awards or additional unit-based compensation above their individual targets.

Clawback Provisions

The employment contracts with four of our named executive officers contain clawback provisions. In the event of a restatement of our financial statements that are filed with the SEC, our executives must refund the amounts actually paid by us for the performance-based bonus award for the two years immediately prior to such restatement that exceed the amounts that the committee determines, in its discretion, should have been paid for those two years based on the financial results reflected in the restated financial statements. In the event there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that found willful misconduct by an executive in the performance of their duties prior to the termination of their employment, all payments made in the event of a voluntary or involuntary termination must be refunded.

Perquisites

We do not provide any perquisites for our named executive officers.

Company Benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in company benefit plans such as medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, 401k and flexible spending accounts on the same terms as all our employees.

Unit Ownership Requirements

We do not require specific unit ownership targets for our named executive officers or managers. However, each of the named executive officers currently maintains significant ownership in the Company.

Hedging Policies

We have a policy that does not allow speculative or proprietary trading of derivatives that create incentives to engage in risky activities that fall outside of our annual business plan. We also have a policy that prohibits employees or managers from purchasing any financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decease in the market value of our units granted to them as compensation or otherwise held directly or indirectly by them.

Compensation of Managers

Officers or employees of Constellation and its affiliates who also serve as our managers will not receive additional compensation for serving as our managers. Each manager will be indemnified by us for actions associated with being a manager to the full extent permitted under Delaware law.

In April 2007, our compensation committee retained Towers Perrin to benchmark our independent managers’ mix of compensation and amount of each element of compensation to the outside director compensation of various peer groups. Towers Perrin performed the benchmark study using the following benchmark groups:

 

a peer group of 10 exploration and production companies, consisting of the following: Clayton Williams Energy Inc., Edge Petroleum Corp., Exploration Company of Delaware Inc., Gasco Energy Inc., GMX Resources Inc., Harvest Natural Resources Inc., McMoRan Exploration Co., Panhandle Oil and Gas Inc., Petroquest Energy, Inc. and VAALCO Energy Inc.;

 

a general industry group of 326 publicly-traded companies with market capitalizations between $350 million and $1 billion; and

 

a peer group of 5 limited partnerships, consisting of the following: Atlas Energy Resources LLC, Copano Energy LLC, Crosstex Energy LP, Linn Energy LLC and Regency Energy Partners LP. TowerTowers Perrin noted in its report that the companies in this peer group varied significantly in size.

Towers Perrin reported the results of its benchmarking study to the chairman of the committee, who shared the results with the other committee members.

In August 2007, ourOur board of managers, based on recommendations from our compensation committee and the Towers Perrin report, has approved the following changes to the independentnon-employee manager unit-based compensation program:

 

Each independentnon-employee manager will receive an annual restricted common unit award with a value of $75,000, to be granted as follows:

for the year 2007, granted as of September 14, 2007, such award vested on March 1, 2008 ; and

for years after 2007, to be granted as of March 1 of each year, such award to have a one-year vesting period and to be forfeited on a pro-rata basis if service as a manager terminates prior to the one-year vesting period.

The number of restricted common units granted to each non-employee manager is computed based on the average closing price of our common units on the NYSE Arca for the 20 trading days through the date of the grant as determined by the compensation committee, rounded to the nearest unit. Distributions on the restricted common units are made at the time such distributions are made to other holders of common units.

The chairmanOur board of managers, based on recommendations from our compensation committee and the audit committee will receive an annual retainer of $10,000.

As a result, in 2007, independent, non-employee managers receivedTowers Perrin report, has approved the following compensation:individual non-employee manager annual cash compensation program:

 

$40,000 annual retainer;

 

the chairman of the audit committee will receive a common unit award with a value of $75,000, which is subject to pro rata forfeiture if board service ceases during the year;$10,000 annual retainer;

 

$2,500 fee for each meeting of the board of managers and each committee meeting attended that occurs on a day when there is no board meeting.meeting; and

 

reasonable travel expenses to attend meetings.

The independent manager who serves as the chair of the Audit Committee received an additional $10,000 cash retainer prorated for 2007 from the date of board of manager approval.

The following table sets forth a summary of the 20072010 non-employee manager compensation:compensation, as determined by our board of managers:

 

  Manager Compensation 

Name

  Fees
Earned or
paid in
Cash $
  Stock
Awards
$(1)
  Option
Awards
$
  Non Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  Change in
Pension Value
and Non-

Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
  Total ($)  Fees Earned or Paid
in Cash
   Unit
Awards(1)
   All Other
Compensation
   Total 

Richard H. Bachmann

  $60,000  $48,373  —    —    —    $1,002  $109,375  $60,000    $63,142    $    $123,142  

Richard S. Langdon

  $65,000  $48,373  —    —    —    $1,002  $114,375  $72,500    $63,142    $    $135,642  

John N. Seitz

  $60,000  $48,373  —    —    —    $1,002  $109,375  $60,000    $63,142    $    $123,142  

 

(1)Represents the compensation expense recognized in 2007 pursuant to SFAS 123R relating to a restricted common unit award granted to each manager on September 14, 2007. The grant date (March 1, 2010) fair value of each manager’s stockunit-based compensation award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant amount was $75,000. Atcomputed based on the average of the closing price of our common units on the NYSE Arca for the 20 trading days prior to the date of grant, rounded to the nearest unit. The full amount of the grant was outstanding at December 31, 2007, each independent manager held 1,781 unvested restricted common units.2010, and these awards vested in March 2011.

In 2011, the independent managers have received the same compensation package except that each is to be paid $75,000 in cash on March 1, 2012, instead of being awarded restricted common units with a value of $75,000.

(2)All other compensation represents distributions received on unvested restricted common units.

Historically, the two Class A members of our board of managers have not received compensation from us for serving as our managers. Beginning in August 2011, the two Class A members of our board of managers will begin receiving the same compensation package from us that we provide to our three independent managers.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

NoneDuring 2010, none of our named executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its named executive officers serving as a member of our board of managers or compensation committee.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee of the board of managers has reviewed and discussed theCompensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 19 with management. Based on such review and discussions, the compensation committee recommended to the board of managers that theCompensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.proxy statement.

John N. Seitz, Chairman

Richard H. Bachmann

Richard S. Langdon

PROPOSAL NO. 2: RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20082011

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Managers

Approval of the proposal to ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year 20082011 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our common units and Class A units (voting together with the common units) present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, assuming a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on this proposal, except they will be counted as having been present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

Unitholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our limited liability company agreement or otherwise. We are submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to unitholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If this selection of auditor is not ratified by a majority of the outstanding units present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, the audit committee will reconsider its selection of auditor. We are advised that no member of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has any direct or material indirect financial interest in our company or, during the past three years, has had any connection with us in the capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will attend the Annual Meeting. The representative will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT UNITHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN PROXY CARDS, THE PROXY WILL VOTE UNITS FOR APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.

Fees

In connection with our initial public offering, in 2006 weWe engaged our principal accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to audit our financial statements for the period from February 7, 2005 (inception) through December 31, 2005. PricewaterhouseCoopers also performed auditand perform other professional services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20072010 and 2006.2009.

Audit FeesFees.. The aggregate fees billed for the financial statement audit or services provided in connection with statutory or regulatory filings for the years ended 2007ending 2010 and 20062009 were $1,212,000$897,344 and $1,601,247,$932,484, respectively.

Audit-Related FeesFees.. The aggregate audit-related fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended 2007ending 2010 and 20062009 were $496,491$11,970 and $313,495,$3,600, respectively. The 2007 audit-relatedThese fees were billed in connection with the EnergyQuest and Newfield acquisitions and the 2006 audit-related fees were billed in connection with the initial public offering.related to consents for registration statements.

Tax FeesFees.. The aggregate fees related to the preparation of K-1 statements for the years ended 20072010 and 20062009 were $535,000$684,728 and $235,000,$466,147, respectively.

All Other FeesFees.. There were noThe other fees billed by our principal accountant for the years ended 2007ending 2010 and 20062009 for services other than those described above.above were $7,500 and $7,500, respectively.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Practices

Prior to our initial public offering in November 2006, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Constellation and did not have a separate audit committee. Following our initial public offering, ourOur audit committee must pre-approve any audit and permissible non-audit services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. Additionally, the audit committee has oversight responsibility to ensure the independent registered public accounting firm is not engaged to perform certain enumerated non-audit

services, including but not limited to bookkeeping, financial information system design and implementation, appraisal or valuation services, internal audit outsourcing services and legal services. In February 2007, theThe audit committee has adopted an audit and non-audit services pre-approval policy, which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm must be approved. Pursuant to the policy, all services must be reviewed and approved and the chairman of the audit committee has been delegated the authority to specifically pre-approve services, which pre-approval is subsequently reviewed with the committee.

PROPOSAL NO. 3: UNITHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING DISTRIBUTIONS

Investment Partners Opportunities Fund, 4020 South 147th Street, Omaha, NE 68137, the beneficial owner of 85,000 Class B common units, has advised us that it intends to submit the proposal set forth below for consideration at the annual meeting. The proposal will be voted on at the annual meeting only if properly presented by or on behalf of the unitholder proponent.

Unitholder Resolution

RESOLVED: The unitholders of Constellation Energy Partners (CEP) request the Board of Managers to resume paying quarterly cash distributions of an appropriate amount relative to members’ equity.

Supporting Statement of Unitholder

CEP has not paid cash distributions to unitholders in over two years, and over that time CEP’s unit price appears to have markedly underperformed the Alerian MLP Index, Dow Jones US Exploration & Production Index, and a peer group, according to a graph on page 48 of CEP’s 2010 10-K. At March 31, 2011, CEP’s units traded at approximately an 82.5% discount to per-unit net asset value of its total reserves, according to data on page 7 of the support material from CEP’s first-quarter 2011 conference call.

Among the main reasons investors are attracted to master limited partnerships is that they provide cash-flow in the form of ongoing distributions. In fact, CEP’s 2006 prospectus stated on page 2, “[CEP’s] primary business objective is to generate stable cash flows allowing [CEP] to make quarterly cash distributions to [its] unitholders and over time to increase the amount of [its] future quarterly distributions by executing [its] business strategy.”

After May 2009, CEP “temporarily” ceased paying distributions, opting instead to reduce debt. Prior to the suspension, CEP’s quarterly distribution was $0.13 per unit in 2009 and $0.5625 per unit in 2008. Faced with similar issues, other master limited partnerships in the energy sector chose to raise equity capital, thereby strengthening their balance sheets, reducing debt, financing growth, andmaintaining cash distributions.

According to CEP’s 2010 10-K, “[t]hrough February 25, 2011, [the company had] successfully reduced [its] outstanding debt level from a high of $220.0 million to $165.0 million.” It also stated that “[d]uring 2011, [CEP] intend[s] to continue to use [its] excess operating cash flows to continue to reduce [its] outstanding debt by an additional $25.0 million to $30.0 million.” If that projection holds true, then the amount of debt repayment over the past few years could exceed $3.00 per unit, excluding interest expense. While cash distributions have remained suspended to reduce debt, we note that expenses for the top 4 executives listed in CEP’s 2010 10-K have remained high. In 2010, senior management expenses were $3,707,542 (approximately $0.15 per unit), of which at least $1,595,000 was cash.

With the continued suspension of cash distributions, we think that among the only constituents of CEP currently deriving an immediate benefit from the company’s existence are its creditors and its employees.

Since the 10-K states that “[a]s of February 25, 2011, [CEP’s] reserve-based credit facility [had] a borrowing base of $195.0 million, which currently leaves [CEP] with $30.0 million of funds available for borrowing”, we believe that by year end there should be enough liquidity for CEP to resume paying meaningful quarterly cash distributions. We also feel that resumption of distributions would likely affect CEP’s unit price positively.

If you want to see CEP return to its primary business objective of paying a meaningful, ongoing distribution, please vote for this proposal.

Recommendation of the Board of Managers

The board of managers has considered the above proposal carefully and believes that it is not in the best interests of our unitholders. The board of managers therefore recommends that you voteAGAINST the proposal for the following reasons.

Decisions regarding the payment of distributions and the repayment of debt are integral parts of the financial management that all public companies deal with in the ordinary course of their business. In considering and weighing matters as complex as balancing the payment of distributions and the repayment of debt, or reserving cash for any other purpose that our board of managers deems appropriate, it should be the exclusive province of our board of managers, in the exercise of prudent business judgment, to review the variety of factors unique to our business, in order to determine how the interests of our company and our unitholders may best be served.

Every quarter, our board of managers evaluates the appropriate level of quarterly cash distributions to make to our unitholders. Our board of managers carefully considers many factors that impact our ability to make quarterly cash distributions, including our business operations and opportunities, outstanding debt and cash reserves needed for the proper conduct of our business. Decisions regarding financial matters are critical to our success. They are complex in nature because of the level of knowledge needed about the operational and financial position of our company, as well as market conditions such as the expected level of future oil and natural gas prices, interest rates, and business conditions in the energy industry and the U.S. economy. Decisions regarding our company’s financial matters, including the level of quarterly cash distributions, are properly within the discretion of our board of managers. As our board of managers reviews our company’s business results, cash resources and financial position on at least a quarterly basis, they must have the flexibility to act in the best interests of our company and our unitholders. Although the unitholder proposal set forth above is advisory in nature, its approval may inhibit the ability of our board of managers to objectively and effectively guide the business, operations, opportunities and financial condition of our company. As such, the board of managers recommends that you voteAGAINST this proposal.

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT UNITHOLDERS VOTE “AGAINST” APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN PROXY CARDS, THE PROXY WILL VOTE UNITS “AGAINST” APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.

VoteRequired

Approval of the unitholder proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our common units and Class A units (voting together with the common units) present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, assuming a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on this proposal, except they will be counted as having been present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

SUBMISSION OF UNITHOLDER PROPOSALS AND MANAGER NOMINATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR

Proposals for 20092012 Annual Meeting

Any unitholder who desires to include a proposal in the proxy statement for the 20092012 annual meeting must deliver it so that we receive it is received by May 26, 2009.17, 2012. However, if the date of the 20092012 annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the date of the 20082011 annual meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials.

For presentation at the next annual meeting of common unitholders, pursuant to our limited liability company agreement, any unitholder who wants to present a proposal at the 20082012 annual meeting must deliver it so it is received by June 25, 2009,16, 2012, but not earlier than May 26, 2009.17, 2012. However, if the date of the 20092012 annual meeting is changed so that it is more than 30 days earlier or more than 30 days later than November 3, 2009,the anniversary of the 2011 Annual

Meeting, any such proposals must be delivered not more than 120 days prior to the 20092012 annual meeting and not less than the later of (1) 90 days prior to the 20092012 annual meeting or (2) 10 days following the day on which we first publicly announce the date of the 20092012 annual meeting.

These advance notice, informational and other provisions are in addition to, and separate from, the requirements that a unitholder must meet in order to have a proposal included in our proxy statement under the rules of the SEC.

Any proposals must be sent, in writing, to the Secretary, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, One Allen Center, 500 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 3300,1300, Houston, Texas 77002. Proposals will not be accepted by facsimile.

Nominations for 20092012 Annual Meeting and for Any Special Meeting

Pursuant to Section 11.13(b) of our limited liability company agreement, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures are eligible for election as managers. Nominations of persons for election to our board of managers may be made at an annual meeting of unitholders only (a) by or at the direction of our board of managers or (b) by any unitholder of our company: (i) who is entitled to vote at the meeting or (ii) who was a record holder of a sufficient number of units as of the record date for such meeting to elect one or more members to our board of managers assuming that such holder cast all of the votes it is entitled to cast in such election in favor of a single candidate and such candidate received no other votes from any other holder of units (or, in the case where such holder holds a sufficient number of units to elect more than one manager, such holder votes its units as efficiently as possible for such candidates and such candidates receive no further votes from holders of outstanding units). All nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of our board of managers, must be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to our Secretary. With respect to manager elections held at our annual meetings, our limited liability company agreement provides that to be timely, a unitholder’s notice must be delivered to our Secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days or more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we first mailed our proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting.For a nomination of any person for election to our board of managers to be considered at the 20092012 annual meeting of unitholders, it must be properly submitted to our Secretary at One Allen Center, 500 Dallas1801 Main Street, Suite 3300,1300, Houston, Texas 77002, no later than June 25, 2009,16, 2012, but not earlier than May 26, 2009.17, 2012.Our limited liability company agreement also provides that unitholder nominations of persons for election to our board of managers may be made at a special meeting of unitholders at which managers are to be elected pursuant to our notice of meeting provided unitholder notice of the nomination is timely. To be timely, a unitholder’s notice must be delivered to our Secretary not earlier than the ninetieth day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the seventieth day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by our Boardboard of Directorsmanagers to be elected at such meeting.

A unitholder’s notice to our Secretary must set forth (a) as to each person whom the unitholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a manager all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of managers, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a manager if elected; and (b) as to the unitholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made (i) the name and address of such unitholder as they appear on our books and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of units which are owned beneficially and of record by such unitholder and such beneficial owner, and (iii) whether either such unitholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of holders of units to elect such nominee or nominees.

LOGOHOUSEHOLDING MATTERS

Unitholders who share a single address will receive only one proxy statement at that address unless we have received instructions to the contrary from any unitholder at that address. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs. However, if a unitholder of record residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate copy of this proxy statement or of future proxy statements (as applicable), he or she may contact our Investor Relations at (877) 847-0009 or write to Investor Relations, Constellation Energy Partners LLC, 1801 Main Street, Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77002. We will deliver separate copies of this proxy statement promptly upon written or oral request. If you are a unitholder of record receiving multiple copies of our proxy statement, you can request householding by contacting us in the same manner. If you own your common units through a bank, broker or other unitholder of record, you can request additional copies of this proxy statement or request householding by contacting the unitholder of record.

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Electronic Voting Instructions

You can vote by Internet or telephone!

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Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting

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methods outlined below lo vote your proxy.

VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.

Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by

12:00 a.m., Central Time, on October 24,2011.

\mm\ Vote by lrIternet

• Log on to the Internet and go to

I°°IWWW.ENVLSIONREPORTS.COM’CEP

• Follow the steps outlined on the secured website.

jBSSfc Vote by telephone

• Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA,

US terntones & uanada any time on a touch tone

telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call.

Using a black ink pen, mark your votes withvoles wilh an X as shown in X | v 1

• Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message.

this example. Please do notnol write outside the designated areas. 1 1

Annual Meeting Proxy CardCard( 1234 5678 9012 345)

PLEASE? IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET Qß TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

A ?H Proposals — The Board of Managers recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, and FOR Proposal 2.2, and AGAINST Proposal 3.

1. ElectionSection of Managers:

For Withhold

For Withhold

For Withhold

+

01—01 - Richard H.H, Bachmann 02—

D D

02 - Richard S. Langdon 03—

D D

03 - John N. Seitz

D D

For Against Abstain

For Against Abstain

2. Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopersPricewaternouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.31,2011.

BD D D

3. Unitholder Proposal Regarding Distributions.

D D D

El Non-Voting Items

ChangeItemhange of Address — Please printprinl new address below. Meeting Attendance

— 1 Mark box to the right if “ ]

you plan to attend the ‘-’ Annual Meeting.

CQ Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below

Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give

full title.

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

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Constellation Energy Partners LLC

Proxy — Constellation Energy Partners LLC

The undersigned hereby appoints Stephen R. Brunner and Charles C. Ward, or each of them, with or without the other, proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all common units that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 20082011 Annual Meeting of Unitholders of Constellation Energy Partners LLC to be held on November 3, 2008,October 24,2011, and all adjournments and postponements thereof on all matters that may properly come before the annual meeting.meeting,

Your common units will be voted as directed on this card. If this card is signed and no direction is given for any item, itthey will be voted in favor of all items.board nominees listed and Proposal 2 and against Proposal 3.

Please sign and date this card on the reverse, tear off at the perforation, and mail promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

If you have any comments or a change of address, mark on the reverse side.

(Continued and to be voted on reverse side)

SEE REVERSE SIDE