The State of Alaska has amended state law to provide for extension of the primary term of oil and gas leases on state lands when such extensions are in the best interests of the state. HB 198 authorizes the Commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources (the “Commissioner”) to extend the primary term of an
May 2013
BLM’s Updated Draft Fracking Rule Draws Criticism from Both Sides
By Robin Seifried on
Last week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released an updated draft rule governing hydraulic fracturing activities on public and Indian lands. BLM estimates that fracking occurs at approximately 90 percent of wells drilled on these lands. The updated rule follows an initial draft rule proposed in 2012, an extended comment period and several forums.
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EPA Requires Reporting of Certain Chemical Compounds Used in Fracking
By Robin Seifried on
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that would require notification to EPA before manufacturing, importing or processing a particular type of chemical commonly used in hydraulic fracturing operations. These chemicals, described as quaternary ammonium compounds, are used in fracking fluids to eliminate bacteria in the water that produces corrosive by-products.
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