The Energy Law

DECEMBER 14, 2006

In the continuing dispute between federal offshore lessees and the Department of the Interior over missing price threshold provisions in 1998 and 1999 federal oil and gas leases, MMS announced today that it has signed agreements with BP, ConocoPhillips, Marathon Oil Company, Shell, and Walter Oil and Gas Corporation.

Natural Resources 40

Natural Resources 40

The Energy Law

DECEMBER 11, 2006

In BHP America Petroleum Co. v. Burton , 549 U.S. — (2006), the Supreme Court resolved a legal issue that has been at the center of federal royalty litigation for twenty years: viz. , whether 28 U.S.C. § 2415(a), which imposes a 6-year statute of limitations for Government “every action for money damages. founded upon any contract,” applies to administrative royalty payment orders issued by the Minerals Management Service (MMS).

2001 40

2001 2006 2005 Government 40

The Energy Law

DECEMBER 1, 2006

In Barasich v. Columbia Gulf Transmission, et al. , Judge Sarah Vance of the Eastern District of Louisiana dismissed a suit in which plaintiffs claimed that oil and gas production and pipeline companies’ activities in South Louisiana marshes contributed to the destruction wreaked by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The plaintiffs alleged that dredging of pipeline canals and wellsite locations damaged the marshland, thereby weakening a protective barrier against storm surge and increasing the storm d

Coastal Erosion 40

Coastal Erosion 2006 Law 40