Shale Law Weekly Review
Shale Law Weekly Review – May 28, 2019
Pipelines: Columbia Gas Files Lawsuit Against State of Maryland for Easement to Install a Natural Gas Pipeline
On May 16, 2019, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (Columbia) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources to obtain an easement to construct a pipeline in Washington Country, Maryland (Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC v 0.12 Acres of Land, More or Less, 1:19-cv-01444-GLR). The suit was filed following a decision made on January 2, 2019, by Maryland’s Board of Public Works denying permission to install the pipeline for Columbia’s Eastern Panhandle Expansion
Shale Law Weekly Review – May 21, 2019
Pipelines: NY State Department of Environmental Conservation Denies Permit for Proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Project
On May 15, 2019, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied a permit, without prejudice, for Williams’ NorthEast Supply Enhancement proposed pipeline project (Project). More specifically, DEC denied the Water Quality Certification required under section 401 of the Clean Water Act. DEC cited impacts to aquatic life and public health caused by rising copper and mercury levels that would result from the Project. The Project, operated by Williams, is designed to expand the existing Transco pipeline system in Pennsylvania, […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – May 13, 2019
LNG Exports: FERC Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Plaquemines Parish Project
On May 3, 2019, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced that it has issued a final environmental impact statement for the proposed Plaquemines LNG and Gator Express Pipeline project (Project). FERC concluded that the Project would result in adverse environmental impacts, but such impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels through impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. Mitigation measures include compliance with FERC’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, And Maintenance Plan and Wetland and Waterbody Construction […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – May 7, 2019
GHG Emissions: Pennsylvania Joins U.S. Climate Alliance and Releases PA Climate Action Plan
On April 29, 2019, Governor Wolf released the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan and announced that Pennsylvania will join the U.S. Climate Alliance. Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan is a report and climate solution assessment prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. It establishes the Green Government Council and recommends 100 actions to reduce emissions. The Plan includes the creation of an efficiency program for natural gas, as well as new policies and practices to reduce emissions from oil and gas operations. In addition, policies under […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 29, 2019
LNG Exports: Driftwood LNG Export Project Receives FERC Authorization
On April 18, 2019, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted its authorization for the proposed Driftwood LNG export project to be constructed south of Lake Charles, Louisiana. When the project is completed, it is expected to have an export capacity of up to 27.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year and will serve both domestic and foreign markets. The project will include the construction of a 96-mile pipeline, a 3.4-mile lateral pipeline, and fifteen meter stations. The project will also include three new compressor stations to transport […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 23, 2019
State Regulation: Colorado Governor Signs New Oil and Gas Regulations into Law
On April 16, 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations. The new law amends the purpose of the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Act by prioritizing public health, safety, welfare, and the environment when regulating oil and gas development. Notably, the bill provides local governments with greater authority to regulate the siting of drilling operations, inspect facilities, and impose fines for spills (p.1-2). In addition, the bill requires drillers to continuously monitor their air pollution and minimize their […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 15, 2019
National Energy Policy: President Trump Issues Executive Orders Related to Oil and Gas Industry
On April 10, 2019, President Trump issued two executive orders related to the national regulation of the oil and gas industry. The first, Executive Order on Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth, alters federal regulations to allow liquefied natural gas to be transported in rail tank cars. This order also requires the EPA Administrator to change federal guidance related to water quality certifications under §401 of the Clean Water Act. The second, Order on the Issuance of Permits with Respect to Facilities […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 8, 2019
State Regulation: Colorado Senate Passes Oil & Gas Regulation Bill
On April 3, 2019, the Colorado Senate voted to pass SB 19-181, entitled “Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations,” which alters the regulatory landscape of oil and gas extraction in the state (p.1). The bill amends the purpose of the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Act by prioritizing public health, safety, welfare, and the environment when regulating oil and gas development. Notably, the bill provides local governments with greater authority to regulate the siting of drilling operations, inspect facilities, and impose fines for spills […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 2, 2019
State Regulation: Pennsylvania Bill Amending Well Permit Requirements Advances
On March 26, 2019, House Bill 828 was reported by the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill proposes to amend Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to allow for several changes to the well permitting process. Specifically, the bill would allow drillers to apply for a multi-well pad permit. The bill would also allow drillers to apply for a one-year, two-year, or three-year permit, rather than limiting drillers to a one-year permit. In addition, operators would be allowed to […]
