The Trump Administration has made it clear that it seeks to unleash the potential of American-produced energy. Towards that end, it has taken actions on a variety of fronts to encourage production of oil and gas and decrease regulatory burdens on the industry.   

President Trump has issued a number of pronouncements regarding energy production. On his first day in office, January 20, 2017, the America First Energy Plan was released. Essentially, the Plan is a blueprint for future action in order to “maximize the use of American resources, freeing us from dependence on foreign oil.”  It declares that the industry has been “held back by burdensome regulations,” such as the Climate Action Plan and Waters of the United States Rule, and pledges to eliminate these and other “harmful and unnecessary policies.”  Further, the Plan recognizes the “$50 trillion in untapped shale, oil, and natural gas reserves,” and promises to “embrace the shale oil and gas revolution to bring jobs and prosperity to millions of Americans.” Continue reading “The Trump Administration’s Impact On Oil and Gas Activities” →

The ownership of land usually includes the right to use all of the property, both above and below the surface. As a general example, the owner of the surface of the property may use it as he or she sees fit and can also explore for and produce oil and gas from below the surface. But the law allows that the ownership of the land and the ownership of the mineral rights may be separate. In this situation, the interests of the separate owners may not always align. However, even though their interest may not align and their rights and obligations may differ, each can take certain precautions to protect their respective rights. Continue reading “Landowner, Operator Protections from Contamination” →