In late-January, the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s task force on natural gas flaring released its much-anticipated recommendations to the North Dakota Industrial Commission, the administrative body that regulates oil and gas wells in the state. The task force made several proposals with the aim to increase the amount of natural gas captured at wellheads
Oil & Gas
BREAKING: California’s New General Industrial Storm Water Permit Will Impact Oil, Gas, and Mining Industries
By Mike Mills on
Today, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) released for public comment its Draft Industrial Storm Water Permit and supporting documents. This is the fourth (and likely final) version of the Draft Industrial Storm Water Permit, which is designed to replace the existing Industrial Storm Water Permit in place since 1997.
The Draft…
EPA Releases Final Guidance for Fracking Using Diesel Fuels
By Robin Seifried on
Last week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final Permitting Guidance for Oil and Gas Hydraulic Fracturing Activities Using Diesel Fuels under its Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The final guidance comes more than a year and a half after EPA issued the initial draft, concluding that fracking operations using diesel fuel as a fracking fluid or propping agent were subject to UIC Class II permitting requirements (see May 8, 2012, post). Fracking activities not using diesel fuels are excluded from UIC requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act pursuant to the 2005 Energy Policy Act.
Continue Reading EPA Releases Final Guidance for Fracking Using Diesel Fuels
Senator Landrieu Ready to Take Chair’s Gavel on Powerful Senate Energy Committee: A Positive Outcome for the Oil and Gas Industry
By Mike Mills on
Posted in Oil & Gas
Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) has confirmed today that she will take the position as Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as soon as next week. (See previous post dated December 31, 3013.)
The previous chairman – Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) – is expected to be approved as Chair of the Finance Committee…
The Heat’s Still On! – Offshore Operators Must Disclose Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Chemicals
By Mike Mills on
The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced that starting on March 1, 2014, oil and gas operators performing offshore hydraulic fracturing operations must maintain an inventory of chemicals used to formulate frac fluid, and if there is any discharge of that fluid, to include the chemical formulation to the EPA within a quarterly discharge monitoring report.
These new…
Transportation Safety Issues Fueling Pipeline Proposals In North Dakota And Minnesota
By Andrew Pieper on
Following the derailment and explosion of a train carrying crude oil near Casselton, North Dakota, and a federal Department of Transportation safety alert that Bakken crude may be more prone to ignite at lower temperatures than other crudes, there’s renewed interest in finding secure transportation alternatives for those natural resources. Pipelines are one alternative gaining…
A River Runs Through It: North Dakota Supreme Court Finds State Government Owns Minerals In Disputed “Shore Zone”
By Andrew Pieper on
The North Dakota Supreme Court issued an opinion last week resolving a constitutional question of public vs. private ownership of mineral interests in the area between the high and low water marks along navigable waters (commonly known as the “shore zone”). Ultimately, the court found that the state’s interest in minerals begins at the high…
Draft Of Model Silica Sand Mining Regulations Released By Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
By Andrew Pieper on
Update: The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board extended the public comment period for the draft model guidelines by two weeks. The deadline for public comments is now January 27.
On December 13, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) – in collaboration with several other state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and…
An Opportunity to Cure? When Bankruptcy and Unpaid Oil and Gas Lease Royalties Collide in North Dakota
By Andrew Pieper on
Posted in Landowner issues, Oil & Gas
The North Dakota Supreme Court recently issued its second opinion in Van Sickle v. Hallmark & Associates, a case that has tested the boundaries of a mineral interest holder’s right to royalties when well operators go bankrupt.
The Van Sickles own interests in oil and gas produced from a well in McKenzie County that’s…
Department of Conservation Deputy Director Jason Marshall Will Speak at Seminar on What To Expect from SB 4
By Mike Mills on
On December 11, 2013, Stoel Rives and BSK Associates will host a complimentary breakfast seminar in Bakersfield, CA to share observations and strategies for complying with SB 4. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The office of Jason Marshall, Deputy Director of the Department of Conservation, has confirmed…