Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Penn State Solar Law Symposium

 An Online Legal Educational Symposium

Presented by

Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law in University Park
Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research
Penn State Dickinson Law
Penn State Extension

Penn State Solar Law Symposium

Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 12:00pm – 3:30pm

Thursday, June 17, 2021, 12:00pm – 3:30pm

This symposium is geared for both beginning and intermediate levels of knowledge about photovoltaic electrical generation for the grid and is designed in a progressive manner, each session building upon the knowledge gained in the last.  Upon completion, an attorney, landowner, government professional, educator or other interested attendee will have a well-rounded understanding of the legal facets of the proliferation of utility-scale solar  development project proposals in Pennsylvania, across the region, and throughout much of the United States.

$179 – Registration Fee (6 hours of substantive Pennsylvania CLE Credits)

$99 – Registration Fee (without CLE credits)

Learn more on our new website: https://aglaw.psu.edu/event/2021-penn-state-solar-law-symposium/ 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Shale Law Weekly Review - New Location!

 The Shale Law Weekly Review has migrated to our new website at https://aglaw.psu.edu/topics/shale-law-weekly-review/.  If you have already subscribed, you will continue to receive emails. If you are interested in receiving other publications from the Center, you can subscribe here

If you have any questions about this change, please email jks251@psu.edu or call (814) 746-4619. 

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Shale Law Weekly Review - January 18, 2021

Written by: 
Jackie Schweichler – Staff Attorney
Sarah Straub – Research Assistant 

The following information is an update of recent local, state, national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.

Water Quality: Pennsylvania Senators File Lawsuit Against Delaware River Basin Commission Seeking to Lift Drilling Moratorium 
On January 11, 2021, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the Delaware River Basin Commission by Pennsylvania Senators Gene Yaw and Lisa Baker, the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Caucus, and Damascus Township. (Senator Gene Yaw, et al. v. The Delaware River Basin Commission, Docket number 2:21-cv-00119.)  The complaint asks the court to determine whether the Delaware River Basin Commission exceeded its authority by imposing a moratorium on the construction and operation of natural gas wells, or, alternatively, whether the Commission’s moratorium, if lawful, amounted to an uncompensated taking under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.  The suit alleges that the Commission exceeded its authority in instituting the moratorium under the Delaware River Basin Compact, and that the moratorium has prevented both private and public lands from being utilized to produce natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation, depriving both private landowners and the state from revenue which could be derived from the natural resource.

Federal Lands: U.S. Forest Service Issues Decision Allowing Mountain Valley Pipeline to Cross Jefferson National Forest
On January 11, 2021, the U.S. Forest Service issued a Record of Decision for the Mountain Valley Pipeline and Equitrans Expansion Project allowing the pipeline to be constructed across a portion of the Jefferson National Forest.  The Forest Service’s decision included nine conditions that must be followed by Mountain Valley Pipeline, including obtaining a Right-of-Way approval by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.  Several environmental groups have challenged the Forest Service’s decision by filing a Joint Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.  Upon completion, the pipeline will cross 3.5 miles of the forest, occupy 42 acres, and cross the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Brush Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area.

Pipelines: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Issues Final Rule Easing Regulatory Requirements for Pipelines 
On January 11, 2021, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a Final Rule in the Federal Register (86 FR 2210) “to ease regulatory burdens on the construction, maintenance, and operation of gas transmission, distribution, and gathering pipeline systems without adversely affecting safety.”  The Rule makes various changes to reporting and testing requirements including increasing the reporting requirements for property damage resulting from leaks, fires, and other incidents from $50,000 to $122,000.  It also modifies inspection procedures to inspect for corrosion by allowing operators to inspect for corrosion remotely and requiring inspections every five years, instead of every three years.  Additionally, the Rule eliminates a separate reporting requirement for most mechanical fitting failures.  The Rule is set to take effect on March 12, 2021.

Shale Law/Policy Resources of Interest:

Brigit Rollins, Overview of Trump Administration’s Environmental “Midnight Regulations” (Jan. 14, 2021)

Chris Baronzzi, Brett Thornton & Brad Hughes, Ohio Supreme Court Wraps Up 2020 By Repeatedly Reminding State Agencies To Stay In Their Statutory Lanes (Jan. 14, 2021)

Scott Daniel Johnson, FERC Increases Maximum Civil Monetary Penalties (Jan. 11, 2021)

Margaret Barry and Korey Silverman-Roati, January 2021 Updates To The Climate Case Charts (Jan. 13, 2021)

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES - STATE/FEDERAL

United States Department of Energy:

Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette Urges Prioritizing Critical Energy Infrastructure Workers In Covid-19 Vaccination (Jan. 15, 2021)

Department of Energy Seeks Industry Input on FY21 Sales of Crude Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Jan. 14, 2021)

United States Environmental Protection Agency:

Big West Oil, LLC Resolves Chemical Risk Management Violations At North Salt Lake Facility (Jan. 14, 2021)

EPA Reduces Regulatory Burden and Emissions From Large Storage Tanks By Allowing Alternative Inspection Method (Jan. 11, 2021)

STATE ACTIONS - EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 51, No. 3—Jan. 16, 2021)

51 Pa.B. 283 Environmental Quality Board “Air Quality Fee Schedule Amendments” (Jan. 16, 2021)

Pennsylvania Legislature:

H.B. 72 “An Act amending the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act” Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy (Jan. 11, 2021).

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Federal Executive Agencies (Federal Register Jan. 11 - 15, 2021):

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

86 FR 1954 Notice—Comments Period “Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed South Sioux City to Sioux Falls A-Line Replacement Project” (Jan. 11, 2021)

86 FR 4045 Notice “Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” (Jan. 15, 2021)

Energy Department

86 FR 2243 Rule—Policy Statement “Including Short-Term Export Authority in Long-Term Authorizations for the Export of Natural Gas on a Non-Additive Basis” (Jan. 12, 2021)

86 FR 2664 Notice “Fuels of the Future Advisory Board” (Jan. 13, 2021)

Environmental Protection Agency

86 FR 2542 Final Rule “Pollutant-Specific Significant Contribution Finding for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, and Process for Determining Significance of Other New Source Performance Standards Source Categories” (Jan. 13, 2021)

86 FR 3827 Notice—Rule “Final Anti-Backsliding Determination for Renewable Fuels and Air Quality” (Jan. 15, 2021)

86 FR 3928 Proposed Rule “Extension of 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard Compliance and Attest Engagement Reporting Deadlines” (Jan. 15, 2021)

86 FR 4067 Notice “Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” (Jan. 15, 2021)

Army Corps of Engineers

86 FR 2744 Final Rule “Reissuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits” (Jan. 13, 2021)

Ocean Energy Management Bureau

86 FR 2452 Notice—Comments Period “Agency Information Collection Activities; Pollution Prevention and Control” (Jan. 12, 2021)

86 FR 4116 Notice—Area Identification “Notice of Availability of the Area Identification for the Proposed Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258” (Jan. 15, 2021)

86 FR 4117 Notice—Comments Period “Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Cook Inlet Lease Sale 258” (Jan. 15, 2021)

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

86 FR 2210 Final Rule; Withdrawal of Enforcement Discretion “Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform” (Jan. 11, 2021)

86 FR 1745 Final Rule “Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts” (Jan. 11, 2021)

86 FR 2029 Notice—Comments Period “Pipeline Safety; Request for Special Permit; Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, L.L.C.” (Jan. 11, 2021)

86 FR 3839 Notice—Comments Period “Pipeline Safety: Frequently Asked Questions on the Gas Transmission Rule” (Jan. 15, 2021)

86 FR 3956 Proposed Rule—Comments Period “Pipeline Safety: Operator Qualification Frequently Asked Questions” (Jan. 15, 2021)

House Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:

H.R. 314 “To authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into cooperative agreements with States to carry out grant programs to assist in remediation and relocation efforts relating to hazardous air pollution, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 13, 2021)

H.R. 309 “To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revoke a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act as such certificate applies to the Weymouth Compressor Station, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 13, 2021)

H.R. 283 “To amend the Clean Air Act to give States the option of monitoring covered criteria air pollutants in designated areas by greatly increasing the number of air quality sensors in exchange for greater regulatory flexibility in the methods of monitoring, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 12, 2021)

H.R. 245 “To amend sections 111, 169, and 171 of the Clean Air Act to clarify when a physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a stationary source constitutes a modification or construction, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 11, 2021)

Follow us on Twitter @AgShaleLaw—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Jan. 11 - 15, 2021:

Texas Governments Collect $13.9B from Oil and Gas Industry” Rigzone

Sage Grouse Review Done, But Scant Time For Trump’s Changes” AP

U.S. Oil Exports Set 71-Year Record” E&E News

Questions Loom Over The Future Of Natural Gas In Oregon” Oregon Public Broadcasting

Mountain Valley Pipeline Forest Crossing Draws Legal Challenge” Bloomberg Law

Connect with us on Facebook.  Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our publications and activities from the week. 

Friday, January 15, 2021

Shale Law Weekly Review - January 15, 2021

Written by: 
Jackie Schweichler – Staff Attorney
Sarah Straub – Research Assistant 

The following information is an update of recent local, state, national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.

Pipelines: Montana Department of Environmental Quality Issues Final Determination on Keystone XL’s 401 Water Quality Certification Application
On December 31, 2020, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued its final determination on Keystone XL Pipeline’s application for 401 Water Quality Certification. The final determination announced that DEQ would issue the pipeline the 401 Water Quality Certification with fifteen conditions, including one which allows DEQ to reopen and modify the Certification to ensure the pipeline adheres to relevant water quality standards. DEQ imposed the conditions because it has been unable to answer and meaningfully respond to all of the more than 650 comments it received regarding the project since Keystone XL’s application was received in August. The pipeline will cross 201 wetland and waterbody features in Montana.

Production and Operation: Texas Railroad Commission Votes to Ratify, Approve, and Confirm May 2020 Temporary Exceptions to Certain Environmental Regulations 
On January 6, 2020, the Texas Railroad Commission voted to ratify, approve and confirm temporary exceptions and waivers regarding some environmental regulations approved by the Commission in May of 2020. The waivers and exceptions approved at the May 2020 meeting included measures which relieved oil and gas companies from environmental regulations requiring the companies to cap unplugged wells, clean waste pits, store oil and gas underground in a salt dome, and contribute other fees aimed to protect the environment. On December 8, 2020, in connection with a lawsuit (Case No. D-1-GN-20-003795) filed by Public Citizen against the Commission, a Texas judge enjoined the Commission from issuing further waivers and exceptions until it published proper public notice and named the specific rules to which the waivers and exceptions applied. You can watch the Commission’s entire meeting here.

Water Quality: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Announces Changes to Its NWP 12 Permitting on Pipelines
On December 21, 2020, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding certifications and federal regulations and requirements under the Clean Water Act. In the letter, the Virginia DEQ stated that it will now deny water quality certifications under Nationwide Permit 12 (NWP 12) for pipelines which are greater than thirty-six inches in diameter. The NWP 12 is a permit which allows discharges to waterways which occur in the construction process of public utility infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines. The Mountain Valley Pipeline, currently under construction in parts of Virginia, could be impacted by the Virginia DEQ’s announcement because its proposed pipeline is slated to be forty-two inches in diameter and would be barred from using the general NWP 12 permit, forcing it to apply for individual permits to cross waterways throughout its construction.

Pipelines: Congress Provides Appropriations and Requirements for Pipeline Safety in Omnibus Fiscal Legislation
On December 21, 2020 Congress passed its year end fiscal legislation, a portion of which authorizes funding for improving pipeline safety and infrastructure. The Division-By-Division Summary of Authorizing Matters of H.R. 133 states that the legislation provides funding to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s Pipeline Safety Program through the year 2023. The appropriations include funding to hire more personnel to conduct inspections of pipelines, hire experts to assist with rulemaking, money for pilot programs to test new technologies and practices to improve pipeline safety, and measures aimed to reduce methane emissions. The legislation also requires executive agencies to engage in rulemaking to address pipeline safety, emissions, and to update rules on pipelines near coastal beaches and coastal waters.

Shale Law/Policy Resources of Interest:

Chris Boronzzi, Ohio Supreme Court interprets the requirements of the notice provisions of the Dormant Mineral Act (Jan. 4, 2021)

Charles Sartain, Renewable Energy Tax Credits Extended by New COVID Relief Law (Jan. 5, 2021)

Michael Byrd and Shane Sullivan, Wait, What Am I Buying? Severance and reservation issues in Texas oil and gas asset transactions (Jan. 2021)

John McFarland, Lyle v. Midway Solar: Solar farm meets accommodation doctrine (Jan. 4, 2021)

Amy Turner, Net-Zero Stretch Code: A New Model For Municipal Building Decarbonization In Massachusetts (Jan. 8, 2021)

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES - STATE/FEDERAL

United States Department of Energy:

Department of Energy Issues Policy Statement Streamlining Short-Term LNG Export Authorizations (Jan. 8, 2021)

United States Environmental Protection Agency:

EPA Releases Briefing Paper on Renewable Energy Waste Management (Jan. 6, 2021)

STATE ACTIONS - EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—Jan. 9, 2021)

51 Pa.B. 238 Department of Environmental Protection “Conditional State Water Quality Certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the United States Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits” (Jan. 9, 2021).

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Federal Executive Agencies (Federal Register Jan. 4 – 8, 2021):

Environmental Protection Agency

86 FR 88 Notice of Proposed Consent Decree—Comments Period “Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit” (Jan. 4, 2021).

86 FR 469 Final Rule “Strengthening Transparency in Pivotal Science Underlying Significant Regulatory Actions and Influential Scientific Information” (Jan. 6, 2021).

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

86 FR 86 Notice—Comments Period “Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed” (Jan. 4, 2021).

86 FR 79 Notice—Comments Period “Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Jan. 4, 2021).

86 FR 82 Notice—Comments Period “Colorado Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Jan. 4, 2021).

86 FR 295 Notice “Mayflower Power & Gas LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization” (Jan. 5, 2021).

86 FR 1492 Notice—Comments Period “Kern River Gas Transmission Company; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned Delta Lateral Project” (Jan. 8, 2021).

House Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:

H.R. 191To repeal Federal energy conservation standards, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 5, 2021).

H.R. 190 “To repeal certain amendments to the Clean Air Act relating to the expansion of the renewable fuel program, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 5, 2021).

H.R 156 “To amend title II of the Department of Energy Organization Act to reauthorize an office within the Department of Energy, to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish and carry out a comprehensive, nationwide energy-related industries jobs program, and for other purposes” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Jan. 4, 2021).

Follow us on Twitter @AgShaleLaw—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Jan. 4 – 8, 2021: 

Fracking May Be Bad For Your Heart — Study” Energywire

The Cleanest Fossil Fuel Is Set for a Post-Pandemic Rebound” Yahoo Finance

Biden To Rescind Trump's Last-Minute Rulemaking” Argus Media

Connect with us on Facebook.  Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our publications and activities from the week. 

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Shale Law Weekly Review - January 9, 2021

Written by: 
Jackie Schweichler – Staff Attorney
Sarah Straub – Research Assistant 

The following information is an update of recent local, state, national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.

Pipelines: Ohio Legislature Advances Bill Imposing Criminal Penalties for Tampering with Pipeline Infrastructure 
On December 17, 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 33 which contains measures modifying the criminal penalties that may be imposed on people who damage critical infrastructure.  The infrastructure to which this measure applies includes pipelines, petroleum refiners, gas processing plants, and freight facilities.  The bill provides property owners with the ability to bring a civil action and be awarded damages and attorney fees against individuals who damage infrastructure.  The bill also imposes criminal penalties for destroying or tampering with infrastructure by legislating that such activity is a felony the third degree.  Several days later, on December 22, 2020, the Ohio Senate concurred in amendments proposed by the House.

Public Lands: BLM Releases Record of Decision Permitting Drilling All Year Long in Converse County, Wyoming 
On December 23, 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a Record of Decision which will allow several oil and gas companies to drill throughout the year in Converse County, Wyoming.  BLM’s decision would allow drilling on 1.5 million acres year-round, eliminating the previous restriction on drilling between February 1 through July 31imposed by the 2007 Casper Field Office Resource Management Plan.  In its press release, BLM noted that the Record of Decision does not permit immediate drilling activities to begin.  Oil companies must still apply and be approved for the appropriate permits and reviews in order to begin drilling activity.  Documents relating to the Record of Decision, including the Environmental Impact Statement, can be viewed here

Pipelines: Petition for Review Filed Challenging FERC Orders on Mountain Valley Pipeline Project 
On December 22, 2020, several environmental groups filed a Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit asking the court to review four orders issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.  In the petition, the environmental groups ask the court to review FERC’s orders granting an extension of time to complete the project, partially lifting a stop work order and allowing construction of the pipeline to continue, and orders denying a request for rehearing and addressing arguments raised in the rehearing

Public Lands: Judge Expedites Hearing on Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction for Oil Development in National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska 
On December 22, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska issued an order to expedite a hearing on the Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.  In its complaint, the Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic alleged that the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decisions regarding the Willow Master Development Plan in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and stated that the biological opinion issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service was arbitrary and unlawful.  The court directed the Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic to file its motion by December 23, 2020 and the Bureau of Land Management and Conocophillips Alaska, Inc. to file its responses to the motion by January 15, 2021.  The court anticipates ruling on the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction by February 1, 2021. 

Shale Law/Policy Resources of Interest: 
Charles Sartain, Contaminated Butane and Propane Creates Fight Over General Terms and Conditions (Dec. 22, 2020) 
John McFarland, After Five Years of Litigation, Texas Supreme Court Concludes that Lease’s Continuous Development Clause is Ambiguous (Dec. 21, 2020) 
Melinda Janki, Guyana: A First Step Towards Climate Litigation (Dec. 29, 2020). 

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES - STATE/FEDERAL

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:

DEP to Host Virtual Public Hearing on PennEast Pipeline Permit Applications for Phase 1 (Dec. 31, 2020)

United States Department of Energy: 

Department of Energy Issues Report on Management and Beneficial Reuse of Used Lubricating Oil (Dec. 23, 2020)

Department of Energy Releases Energy Storage Grand Challenge Roadmap (Dec. 21, 2020)

Department of Energy Extends Fourth Set of LNG Export Authorizations Through 2050 (Dec. 31, 2020)

United States Environmental Protection Agency: 

EPA Finalizes Ozone NAAQS, Retaining Current Standards (Dec. 23, 2020)

STATE ACTIONS - EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—Dec. 26, 2020 & Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—Jan. 2, 2020):

50 Pa.B. 7393 Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission “Natural Gas Service” (Dec. 26, 2020). 

51 Pa.B. 80 Department of Environmental Protection “Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board Virtual Meeting Schedules for 2021” (Jan. 2, 2021). 

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Federal Executive Agencies (Federal Register Dec. 21, 2020 – Jan. 1, 2021):

Environmental Protection Agency

85 FR 83553 Notice “EPA's Approval of Florida's Clean Water Act Section 404 Assumption Request” (Dec. 22, 2020). 

Bureau of Safety and ENvironmental Enforcement

85 FR 84230 Final direct rule—Comments Period “Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-Reaffirmation of Standard Editions Related to the Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards” (Dec. 28, 2020). 

Energy Department 

85 FR 83935 Notice of application “Gulf LNG Liquefaction Company, LLC; Application to Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Dec. 23, 2020). 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

85 FR 83071 Notice—Comments Period “New England Power Generators Association, Inc. v. ISO New England, Inc.; Notice of Complaint” (Dec. 21, 2020). 

85 FR 83073 Notice—Comments Period “Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Northern Lights 2021 Expansion Project” (Dec. 21, 2020). 

85 FR 83072 Notice—Comments Period “National Grid LNG LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” (Dec. 21, 2020). 

85 FR 83548 Notice—Comments Period “Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment to Application” (Dec. 22, 2020). 

85 FR 83541 Notice—Comments Period “Adelphia Gateway, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Dec. 22, 2020). 

85 FR 83552 Notice—Comments Period “Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization” (Dec. 22, 2020). 

85 FR 83940 Notice—Comments Period “Actions Regarding the Commission's Policy on Price Index Formation and Transparency, and Indices Referenced in Natural Gas and Electric Tariffs” (Dec. 23, 2020). 

85 FR 84329 Notice—Comments Period “National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” (Dec. 28, 2020). 

85 FR 85628 Notice “Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Rio Bravo Pipeline Project Amendment” (Dec. 29, 2020). 

85 FR 86552 Notice—Comments Period “Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline” (Dec. 30, 2020). 

Land Management Bureau

85 FR 83102 Notice of information collection—Comments Period “Agency Information Collection Activities; Oil and Gas, or Geothermal Resources: Transfers and Assignments” (Dec. 21, 2020). 

Rural Utilities Service 

85 FR 83883 Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision “Financial Support for Transmission and Distribution Lines To Pump Stations 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in Connection With the TransCanada Keystone XL Pipeline” (Dec. 23, 2020). 

Maritime Administration 

85 FR 83142 Notice—Comments Period “Deepwater Port License Application: Texas GulfLink LLC; Extension of Draft Environmental Impact Statement Comment Period” (Dec. 21, 2020). 

Coast Guard 

85 FR 83448 Temporary final rule “Safety Zone; Pipeline Testing; Tampa Bay, Gibsonton, FL” (Dec. 22, 2020). 

House Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:

H.R. 9056 “To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes.” Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Dec. 28, 2020). 

H.R. 9054 “To advance clean power technology development and use through innovation and clean energy standards, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Dec. 28, 2020). 

Follow us on Twitter @AgShaleLaw—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Dec. 21, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021: 
State Pipeline Regulators Reach Deal With Energy Transfer For Pipeline Blast” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 
Onshore US Operators to Report Flaring Data” Rigzone 
New Mexico Land Boss Ends Fresh Water Sales For Oil And Gas” AP 
Where 5 Key Climate Cases Stand Ahead Of Supreme Court Brawl” ClimateWire  
LNG Surges to Six-Year High With Cold Snap In Importing Nations” BNN Bloomberg 

Connect with us on Facebook.  Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our publications and activities from the week.