tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10689098149440635332024-03-19T04:47:20.164-04:00Penn State Shale Law BlogA research and education program of the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law (CASL)Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.comBlogger861125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-26823243024368381442021-06-01T18:19:00.004-04:002021-06-01T18:19:35.149-04:00Penn State Solar Law Symposium<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: center;">An Online Legal Educational Symposium</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Presented by</em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law in University Park<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Penn State Dickinson Law<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Penn State Extension</p><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">Penn State Solar Law Symposium</h2><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 12:00pm – 3:30pm</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">Thursday, June 17, 2021, 12:00pm – 3:30pm</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">$179 – Registration Fee (6 hours of substantive Pennsylvania CLE Credits)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">$99 – Registration Fee (without CLE credits)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141827; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;">Learn more on our new website: https://aglaw.psu.edu/event/2021-penn-state-solar-law-symposium/ </p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-6533399453184452492021-02-10T11:25:00.002-05:002021-02-10T11:25:38.208-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - New Location! <p> <em>The Shale Law Weekly Review has migrated to our new website at <a href="https://aglaw.psu.edu/topics/shale-law-weekly-review/">https://aglaw.psu.edu/topics/shale-law-weekly-review/</a>. If you have already subscribed, you will continue to receive emails. If you are interested in receiving other publications from the Center, you can <a href="https://aglaw.psu.edu/subscribe/">subscribe here</a>. </em></p><p><em>If you have any questions about this change, please email jks251@psu.edu or call (814) 746-4619. </em></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-10578439016419092352021-01-24T16:45:00.000-05:002021-01-24T16:45:02.568-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - January 18, 2021<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler – Staff
Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The following information
is an update of recent local, state, national and international legal
developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Water Quality: Pennsylvania Senators File Lawsuit Against
Delaware River Basin Commission Seeking to Lift Drilling Moratorium <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">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. (<i>Senator Gene Yaw, et al. v. The Delaware River Basin
Commission, </i>Docket number 2:21-cv-00119.) The </span><a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/product/blaw/document/X2SO9NHPLTQ8ECRIMKAIJP2TG85/download?imagename=1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Lands: U.S. Forest Service Issues Decision Allowing
Mountain Valley Pipeline to Cross Jefferson National Forest<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On January
11, 2021, the U.S. Forest Service issued a </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd874164.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Record of Decision for the Mountain
Valley Pipeline and Equitrans Expansion Project</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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 <a></a><a>Joint Petition for Review</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration Issues Final Rule Easing Regulatory Requirements for Pipelines <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On January
11, 2021, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a
</span><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-11/pdf/2021-00208.pdf"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Final Rule</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> in the Federal Register (</span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2021-00208/pipeline-safety-gas-pipeline-regulatory-reform"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2210</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">) “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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Shale Law/Policy Resources
of Interest:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brigit Rollins, </span><a href="https://nationalaglawcenter.org/overview-of-trump-administrations-environmental-midnight-regulations/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Overview of Trump Administration’s Environmental “Midnight
Regulations”</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 14, 2021)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chris Baronzzi, Brett Thornton & Brad Hughes, </span><a href="https://www.energylawreport.com/2021/01/14/ohio-supreme-court-wraps-up-2020-by-repeatedly-reminding-state-agencies-to-stay-in-their-statutory-lanes/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ohio Supreme Court Wraps Up 2020 By Repeatedly Reminding
State Agencies To Stay In Their Statutory Lanes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 14, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scott Daniel Johnson, </span><a href="https://www.akingump.com/en/experience/industries/energy/speaking-energy/ferc-increases-maximum-civil-monetary-penalties-4.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FERC Increases Maximum Civil Monetary Penalties</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 11, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Margaret Barry and Korey Silverman-Roati, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2021/01/13/january-2021-updates-to-the-climate-case-charts/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">January 2021 Updates To The Climate Case Charts</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 13, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES - STATE/FEDERAL</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">United
States Department of Energy:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-secretary-dan-brouillette-urges-prioritizing-critical-energy-infrastructure-workers"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette
Urges Prioritizing Critical Energy Infrastructure Workers In Covid-19
Vaccination</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(Jan. 15, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-seeks-industry-input-fy21-sales-crude-oil-strategic-petroleum-reserve"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Seeks Industry
Input on FY21 Sales of Crude Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 14, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States Environmental Protection Agency: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/big-west-oil-llc-resolves-chemical-risk-management-violations-north-salt-lake-facility"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Big West Oil, LLC Resolves Chemical
Risk Management Violations At North Salt Lake Facility</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 14, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-reduces-regulatory-burden-and-emissions-large-storage-tanks-allowing-alternative"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Reduces Regulatory Burden and
Emissions From Large Storage Tanks By Allowing Alternative Inspection Method</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 11, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">STATE ACTIONS - EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 51, No. 3—</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jan. 16, 2021)</span></u></b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-3/78.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51 Pa.B. 283</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Environmental Quality Board “Air
Quality Fee Schedule Amendments” (Jan. 16, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pennsylvania Legislature:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=72"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.B. 72</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“An Act amending the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the
Regulatory Review Act” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(Jan.
11, 2021).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Federal Executive Agencies
(</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
Jan. 11 - 15, 2021):</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission</span></u><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2021-00258/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the-proposed"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 1954</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments
Period </i>“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)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00856/columbia-gas-transmission-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 4045</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice
</i>“Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time”
(Jan. 15, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Energy Department </span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/12/2020-28599/including-short-term-export-authority-in-long-term-authorizations-for-the-export-of-natural-gas-on-a"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2243</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Rule—Policy
Statement </i>“Including Short-Term Export Authority in Long-Term
Authorizations for the Export of Natural Gas on a Non-Additive Basis”<i> </i>(Jan.
12, 2021)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/13/2021-00509/fuels-of-the-future-advisory-board"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2664</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice</i>
“Fuels of the Future Advisory Board” (Jan. 13, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/13/2021-00389/pollutant-specific-significant-contribution-finding-for-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-new-modified"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2542</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Final
Rule </i>“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)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00271/final-anti-backsliding-determination-for-renewable-fuels-and-air-quality"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 3827</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Rule
</i>“Final Anti-Backsliding Determination for Renewable Fuels and Air Quality”
(Jan. 15, 2021)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00204/extension-of-2019-and-2020-renewable-fuel-standard-compliance-and-attest-engagement-reporting"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 3928</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Proposed
Rule </i>“Extension of 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard Compliance and
Attest Engagement Reporting Deadlines” (Jan. 15, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00843/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 4067</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice
</i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” (Jan. 15, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Army Corps of Engineers</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/13/2021-00102/reissuance-and-modification-of-nationwide-permits"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2744</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Final
Rule</i> “Reissuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits” (Jan. 13, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ocean Energy Management Bureau</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/12/2021-00382/agency-information-collection-activities-pollution-prevention-and-control"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2452</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments
Period</i> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Pollution Prevention and
Control” (Jan. 12, 2021)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00777/notice-of-availability-of-the-area-identification-for-the-proposed-cook-inlet-oil-and-gas-lease-sale"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 4116</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Area
Identification </i>“Notice of Availability of the Area Identification for the
Proposed Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258” (Jan. 15, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00781/draft-environmental-impact-statement-on-the-cook-inlet-lease-sale-258"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 4117</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments
Period </i>“Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Cook Inlet Lease Sale
258” (Jan. 15, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2021-00208/pipeline-safety-gas-pipeline-regulatory-reform"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2210</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Final
Rule; Withdrawal of Enforcement Discretion </i>“Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline
Regulatory Reform” (Jan. 11, 2021)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2020-25236/revisions-to-civil-penalty-amounts"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 1745</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Final
Rule </i>“Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts” (Jan. 11, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2021-00192/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-natural-gas-pipeline-company-of-america-llc"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 2029</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments
Period </i>“Pipeline Safety; Request for Special Permit; Natural Gas Pipeline
Company of America, L.L.C.” (Jan. 11, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2020-28777/pipeline-safety-frequently-asked-questions-on-the-gas-transmission-rule"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 3839</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments
Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Frequently Asked Questions on the Gas Transmission
Rule” (Jan. 15, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/15/2021-00152/pipeline-safety-operator-qualification-frequently-asked-questions"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86 FR 3956</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Proposed
Rule—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Operator Qualification Frequently
Asked Questions” (Jan. 15, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">House Energy and Commerce
Committee Actions:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/314?s=1&r=8"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 314</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“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” <i>Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan.
13, 2021)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/309?s=1&r=10"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 309</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“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” <i>Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan. 13,
2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/283?s=1&r=12"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 283</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“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” <i>Referred to House Committee
on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan. 12, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/245?s=1&r=22"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 245</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“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” <i>Referred
to House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan. 11, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks
Jan. 11 - 15, 2021: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/texas_governments_collect_139b_from_oil_and_gas_industry-12-jan-2021-164319-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2021_01_14&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F4"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Governments Collect $13.9B
from Oil and Gas Industry</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” Rigzone <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-birds-environment-courts-billings-ee57322c7c1d3cc6458c45577d18c1ae?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=106540840&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--c20pMt_exslJFYvkWarZIFbgtHYf4mOZHK-iHmR8Q-oUhkcSdvbPYAHBXego9ECB8XuHCVdCnGCLcMQEacQ6DRlo4NQ&utm_content=106540840&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sage Grouse Review Done, But Scant
Time For Trump’s Changes</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” AP<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2021/01/13/stories/1063722389?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Oil Exports Set 71-Year Record</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">”
E&E News <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/12/questions-loom-over-the-future-of-natural-gas-in-oregon/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=106392231&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_MAsDEbstCZFfTNgDhVgWL1zxMYfXpuPygexwT7978vpJ9pnFzHoPzlKR8ZFc9Cl4Tv6_rEpbj39wRladR2pA4ubTNZQ&utm_content=106392231&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Questions Loom Over The Future Of
Natural Gas In Oregon</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” Oregon Public Broadcasting <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/mountain-valley-pipeline-forest-crossing-draws-legal-challenge?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=106235422&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9H0ye-D3FSvbrKVDF0Ro5jEfvLbToNZc-vAI3MZUQhfuwz7woR9Sn0r8lYZjcEdHU7h4KEPJCuSd9SXHTMJgwnnuUl6w&utm_content=106235422&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mountain Valley Pipeline Forest
Crossing Draws Legal Challenge</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” Bloomberg Law</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. Every week we post
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</div>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-82794938642108941282021-01-15T16:08:00.006-05:002021-01-15T16:10:11.714-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - January 15, 2021<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Written
by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Jackie
Schweichler – Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sarah
Straub – Research Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
following information is an update of recent local, state, national and
international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pipelines:
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Issues Final Determination on
Keystone <a style="mso-comment-date: 20210110T2049; mso-comment-reference: SS_1;">XL’s</a></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> 401 Water Quality Certification Application<i><br /></i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On December
31, 2020, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued its </span><a href="https://deq.mt.gov/Portals/112/DEQAdmin/MFS/Documents/WQ/MT4011079_FinalDetermination_KXL.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">final
determination</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Production
and Operation: Texas Railroad Commission Votes to Ratify, Approve, and Confirm
May 2020 Temporary Exceptions to Certain Environmental Regulations <br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On
January 6, 2020, the Texas Railroad Commission </span><a href="https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/media/60981/order-jan6-2021-conf-item-no-1-og-20-00003167.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">voted</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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
<a></a><a></a><a>enjoined</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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 </span><a href="http://www.adminmonitor.com/tx/rrc/open_meeting/20210106/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Water
Quality: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Announces Changes to Its
NWP 12 Permitting on Pipelines<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On
December 21, 2020, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sent
a </span><a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/489787016/Final-Deq-Nwp-Certs-1"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">letter</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pipelines:
Congress Provides Appropriations and Requirements for Pipeline Safety in
Omnibus Fiscal Legislation<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On
December 21, 2020 Congress passed its year end </span><a href="https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-116HR133SA-RCP-116-68.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">fiscal
legislation</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, a portion of which authorizes funding for
improving pipeline safety and infrastructure. The </span><a href="https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Summary%20of%20H.R.%20133%20Authorizing%20Matters.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Division-By-Division
Summary of Authorizing Matters</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Shale
Law/Policy Resources of Interest:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Chris
Boronzzi, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawreport.com/2021/01/04/ohio-supreme-court-interprets-the-requirements-of-the-notice-provisions-of-the-dormant-mineral-act/"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ohio
Supreme Court interprets the requirements of the notice provisions of the
Dormant Mineral Act</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">(Jan. 4, 2021)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Charles
Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2021/01/05/renewable-energy-tax-credits-extended-by-new-covid-relief-law/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Renewable
Energy Tax Credits Extended by New COVID Relief Law</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
(Jan. 5, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Michael
Byrd and Shane Sullivan, </span><a href="https://www.akingump.com/a/web/9UST7LTEfM4uuUwh9nfj8r/2hjbbW/pages-from-landman_jf21.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Wait,
What Am I Buying? Severance and reservation issues in Texas oil and gas asset
transactions</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (Jan. 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">John
McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/lyle-v-midway-solar-solar-farm-meets-accommodation-doctrine-2/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lyle
v. Midway Solar: Solar farm meets accommodation doctrine</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
(Jan. 4, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Amy
Turner, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2021/01/08/net-zero-stretch-code-a-new-model-for-municipal-building-decarbonization-in-massachusetts/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Net-Zero
Stretch Code: A New Model For Municipal Building Decarbonization In
Massachusetts</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (Jan. 8, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES - STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<h1 style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">United
States Department of Energy: </span></u></b><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-issues-policy-statement-streamlining-short-term-lng-export-authorizations"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Issues Policy
Statement Streamlining Short-Term LNG Export Authorizations</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 8, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States Environmental
Protection Agency: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-briefing-paper-renewable-energy-waste-management"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Releases Briefing Paper on
Renewable Energy Waste Management</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Jan. 6, 2021)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">STATE ACTIONS - EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pennsylvania
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jan. 9, 2021)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-2/50.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51 Pa.B. 238</span></a><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Federal
Executive Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
Jan. 4 – 8, 2021):</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Environmental
Protection Agency</span></u><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/04/2020-29078/proposed-consent-decree-clean-air-act-citizen-suit"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 88</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice of Proposed Consent Decree—Comments Period </i>“Proposed
Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit” (Jan. 4, 2021). <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/06/2020-29179/strengthening-transparency-in-pivotal-science-underlying-significant-regulatory-actions-and"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 469</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Final Rule </i>“Strengthening Transparency in Pivotal
Science Underlying Significant Regulatory Actions and Influential Scientific
Information” (Jan. 6, 2021).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/04/2020-29068/southern-star-central-gas-pipeline-inc-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 86</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Southern Star Central Gas
Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the
Proposed” (Jan. 4, 2021). <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/04/2020-29066/algonquin-gas-transmission-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-and-establishing"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 79</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments Period</i> “Algonquin Gas
Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and
Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Jan. 4, 2021). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/04/2020-29067/colorado-interstate-gas-company-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-and-establishing"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 82</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Colorado Interstate Gas
Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing
Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Jan. 4, 2021). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/05/2020-29166/mayflower-power-and-gas-llc-supplemental-notice-that-initial-market-based-rate-filing-includes"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 295</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice </i>“Mayflower Power & Gas LLC;
Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for
Blanket Section 204 Authorization” (Jan. 5, 2021). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/08/2021-00129/kern-river-gas-transmission-company-notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">86
FR 1492</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Kern River Gas
Transmission Company; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on
Environmental Issues for the Planned Delta Lateral Project” (Jan. 8, 2021).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">House
Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/191?s=1&r=16"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">H.R.
191</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “</span><span style="color: #202a43; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To repeal Federal
energy conservation standards, and for other purposes” <i>Referred to House
Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan. 5, 2021). </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/190?s=1&r=17"><span style="color: #202a43; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 190</span></a><span style="color: #202a43; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To repeal certain
amendments to the Clean Air Act relating to the expansion of the renewable fuel
program, and for other purposes” <i>Referred to House Committee on Energy and
Commerce </i>(Jan. 5, 2021). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/156?s=1&r=24"><span style="color: #202a43; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R 156</span></a><span style="color: #202a43; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “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” <i>Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Jan.
4, 2021).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Follow
us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">—Top
#ShaleLaw HotLinks Jan. 4 – 8, 2021: </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2021/01/04/stories/1063721659?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Fracking
May Be Bad For Your Heart — Study</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” Energywire<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cleanest-fossil-fuel-set-post-080000156.html"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
Cleanest Fossil Fuel Is Set for a Post-Pandemic Rebound</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">”
Yahoo Finance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“</span><a href="https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2173307-biden-to-rescind-trumps-lastminute-rulemaking"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Biden
To Rescind Trump's Last-Minute Rulemaking</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">” Argus Media</span></p>
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</div>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-5569553755663194962021-01-09T08:17:00.004-05:002021-01-11T08:21:26.421-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - January 9, 2021<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following
information is an update of recent local, state, national and international
legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Ohio
Legislature Advances Bill Imposing Criminal Penalties for Tampering with
Pipeline Infrastructure <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 17, 2020,
the Ohio House of Representatives passed </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-issues-report-management-and-beneficial-reuse-used-lubricating-oil?id=GA133-SB-33"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Bill 33</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: BLM
Releases Record of Decision Permitting Drilling All Year Long in Converse
County, Wyoming <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 23, 2020,
the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/66551/200129860/20031815/250038014/Converse.County.ROD.signed.by.Secretary12.23.2020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Record of
Decision</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/29/2020-28712/rio-bravo-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">press release</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, 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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/66551/570"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Petition for
Review Filed Challenging FERC Orders on Mountain Valley Pipeline Project <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 22, 2020,
several environmental groups filed a </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/21/2020-28085/new-england-power-generators-association-inc-v-iso-new-england-inc-notice-of-complaint"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Petition for
Review</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/21/2020-28095/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the-proposed?accession_num=20201009-3055"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">granting an
extension of time</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
to complete the project, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume?accession_num=20201009-3054"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">partially
lifting a stop work order</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and allowing construction of the pipeline to continue, and orders
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?document_id=14913167&optimized=false"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">denying a
request for rehearing</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/22/2020-28161/safety-zone-pipeline-testing-tampa-bay-gibsonton-fl?document_id=14913914&optimized=false"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">addressing arguments
raised in the rehearing</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: Judge
Expedites Hearing on Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction for
Oil Development in National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 22, 2020, the
U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska issued an </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/12/23/document_gw_02.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to expedite a hearing on the Sovereign Iñupiat
for a Living Arctic's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction. In its </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/9056"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, 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. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law/Policy
Resources of Interest: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Contaminated Butane and Propane Creates Fight Over General Terms and
Conditions</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
(Dec. 22, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">John McFarland, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/after-five-years-of-litigation-texas-supreme-court-concludes-that-leases-continuous-development-clause-is-ambiguous/"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">After Five Years of Litigation, Texas Supreme Court Concludes that
Lease’s Continuous Development Clause is Ambiguous</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 21, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Melinda Janki, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/onshore_us_operators_to_report_flaring_data-17-dec-2020-164127-article/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guyana: A First
Step Towards Climate Litigation</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 29, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21906&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP to Host
Virtual Public Hearing on PennEast Pipeline Permit Applications for Phase 1</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 31, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">United States Department of Energy: </span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Department of Energy
Issues Report on Management and Beneficial Reuse of Used Lubricating Oil</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> (Dec. 23, 2020)</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Department of Energy
Releases Energy Storage Grand Challenge Roadmap</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> (Dec. 21, 2020)</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-extends-fourth-set-lng-export-authorizations-through-2050"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of
Energy Extends Fourth Set of LNG Export Authorizations Through 2050</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 31, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">United States Environmental Protection
Agency: </span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">EPA Finalizes Ozone
NAAQS, Retaining Current Standards</span></a></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> (Dec. 23, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-releases-energy-storage-grand-challenge-roadmap"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin
Vol. 50, No. 51—Dec. 26, 2020 & Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—Jan. 2, 2020</span></b></a></span><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-52/1831.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 7393</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission “Natural
Gas Service” (Dec. 26, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://bluevirginia.us/2020/12/wild-virginia-other-groups-file-suit-in-federal-appeals-court-to-challenge-fercs-reckless-actions-regarding-the-mountain-valley-pipeline?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-1/10.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51 Pa.B. 80</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Department of Environmental Protection “Oil and
Gas Technical Advisory Board Virtual Meeting Schedules for 2021” (Jan. 2,
2021). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive Agencies
(</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dec. 21, 2020 – Jan. 1, 2021):</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83553</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“EPA's Approval of Florida's
Clean Water Act Section 404 Assumption Request” (Dec. 22, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bureau of Safety and
ENvironmental Enforcement</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/23/2020-28334/financial-support-for-transmission-and-distribution-lines-to-pump-stations-15-16-17-18-and-19-in"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 84230</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final direct rule—Comments Period </i>“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). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/23/2020-28416/gulf-lng-liquefaction-company-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83935</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of application </i>“Gulf LNG
Liquefaction Company, LLC; Application to Amend Export Term Through December
31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Dec. 23,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83071</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“New England
Power Generators Association, Inc. v. ISO New England, Inc.; Notice of
Complaint” (Dec. 21, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/28/2020-27238/oil-and-gas-and-sulfur-operations-in-the-outer-continental-shelf-reaffirmation-of-standard-editions"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83073</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Northern Natural
Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the
Proposed Northern Lights 2021 Expansion Project” (Dec. 21, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/21/2020-28089/national-grid-lng-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83072</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“National Grid
LNG LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” (Dec. 21, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/lng-surges-to-six-year-high-with-cold-snap-in-importing-nations-1.1538389"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83548</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Stingray
Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment to Application” (Dec. 22,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/22/2020-28245/adelphia-gateway-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-and-establishing-intervention-and"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83541</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Adelphia
Gateway, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing
Intervention and Protest Deadline” (Dec. 22, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://blogs2.law.columbia.edu/climate-change-litigation/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/case-documents/2020/20201117_docket-320-cv-00290_complaint.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83552</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Columbia Gas
Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization” (Dec. 22,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/66551/200129860/20031803/250038002/WY-PressRelease_CCEIS-ROD-final.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83940</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Actions
Regarding the Commission's Policy on Price Index Formation and Transparency,
and Indices Referenced in Natural Gas and Electric Tariffs” (Dec. 23,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/28/2020-28563/national-fuel-gas-supply-corporation-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 84329</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“National Fuel
Gas Supply Corporation; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” (Dec. 28,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 85628</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC;
Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Rio
Bravo Pipeline Project Amendment” (Dec. 29, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/30/2020-28838/algonquin-gas-transmission-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 86552</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Algonquin Gas
Transmission, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention
Deadline” (Dec. 30, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Land Management Bureau</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/21/2020-28062/agency-information-collection-activities-oil-and-gas-or-geothermal-resources-transfers-and"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83102</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of information collection—Comments
Period </i>“Agency Information Collection Activities; Oil and Gas, or
Geothermal Resources: Transfers and Assignments” (Dec. 21, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rural Utilities
Service </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/22/2020-28250/stingray-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-amendment-to-application"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83883</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Availability of a Record of
Decision </i>“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). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maritime
Administration </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/21/2020-28044/deepwater-port-license-application-texas-gulflink-llc-extension-of-draft-environmental-impact"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83142</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Deepwater Port
License Application: Texas GulfLink LLC; Extension of Draft Environmental
Impact Statement Comment Period” (Dec. 21, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coast Guard </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-ozone-naaqs-retaining-current-standards"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 83448</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Temporary final rule </i>“Safety Zone;
Pipeline Testing; Tampa Bay, Gibsonton, FL” (Dec. 22, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/23/2020-28387/actions-regarding-the-commissions-policy-on-price-index-formation-and-transparency-and-indices?s=1&r=7"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 9056</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “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.” <i>Referred to House
Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Dec. 28, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/9054?s=1&r=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 9054</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To advance clean power technology development
and use through innovation and clean energy standards, and for other purposes.”
<i>Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Dec. 28, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/12/29/guyana-a-first-step-towards-climate-litigation/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Dec. 21, 2020-Jan. 1,
2021: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/12/21/State-pipeline-regulators-reach-deal-with-Energy-Transfer-for-pipeline-blast/stories/202012210011"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Pipeline
Regulators Reach Deal With Energy Transfer For Pipeline Blast</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/22/2020-28232/epas-approval-of-floridas-clean-water-act-section-404-assumption-request"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Onshore US
Operators to Report Flaring Data</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Rigzone <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/12/22/contaminated-butane-leads-to-fight-over-general-terms-and-conditions/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Mexico Land
Boss Ends Fresh Water Sales For Oil And Gas</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” AP <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2020/12/18/stories/1063720783?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=103821199&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_avOApg_DFGdXkLtO5JXUVt-W9G5WE7QC6EC3bAp9hJkqcusOKogVUumYEBMJbA0iEWxvjmUiKa_9ciktg8a0K_8BeIQ&utm_content=103821199&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where 5 Key
Climate Cases Stand Ahead Of Supreme Court Brawl</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” ClimateWire <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/22/2020-28248/columbia-gas-transmission-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Surges to
Six-Year High With Cold Snap In Importing Nations</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” BNN Bloomberg </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-4772f0f711ea4e6bb18d7c2da67ed227"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger
detailing our publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-36622183345614862412020-12-22T17:21:00.000-05:002020-12-22T17:21:04.816-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - December 22, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pipelines: Maryland
Board of Public Works Approves Wetlands License for Underground Pipeline
Construction <br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 2, 2020, the
Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously </span><a href="https://bpw.maryland.gov/MeetingDocs/2020-Dec-02-Summary.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">voted</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to issue a Wetlands License to Eastern Shore Natural Gas Pipeline
Company to construct and operate an underground pipeline spanning seven miles
beneath South Prong Wicomico River. In considering whether to issue the
license, the Board had to determine the extent of the pipeline project’s impact
on wetlands. At the </span><a href="https://bpw.maryland.gov/MeetingDocs/2020-Dec-02-Unofficial-Transcript.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">meeting</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, a representative of the Maryland Department of Environment
recommended that the Board approve the license with certain conditions relating
to drilling fluid pressure limits, erosion and sediment control, altering trees
within the right-of-way of the pipeline, and requiring the pipeline company to
contribute fees to the Maryland Wetlands and Waterways Program Fund.
Ultimately, the pipeline will primarily serve a correctional facility and the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Somerset County, Maryland. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Exports: Delaware
River Basin Commission Approves Construction of Wharf to Transport LNG <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 9, 2020, the
Delaware River Basin Commission </span><a href="https://www.state.nj.us/drbc/meetings/archive/recent-drbc-mtg.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">approved</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> the Delaware River Partners, LLC’s application to construct a
wharf to import and export commodities including liquified natural gas (LNG)
from Pennsylvania. In its approval, the Commission agreed with the </span><a href="https://www.nj.gov/drbc/library/documents/dockets/061219/HO_RptFindingsRecs_2017-009-2DRP_GLCDock2_july2020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">recommendations</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> of the hearing officer who presided over a
hearing regarding the project in May. The Commission determined that the
project imposed sufficient protections to limit impacts on water quality and
aquatic plants and animals. The Commission also found that the project
was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and, therefore, will allow
construction to begin. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: Utah
District Judge Orders BLM to Revise Reasonable Alternative Analysis for Oil
Leases in Uinta Basin<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 10, 2020, the
U.S. District Court for the District of Utah issued an </span><a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1555837468440670854&hl=en&as_sdt=6&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> stating that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) violated
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in leasing public land for oil and
gas exploration in the Uinta Basin in Utah. (<i>Rocky Mountain Wild, et
al., v. David Bernhardt</i>, Case No. 2:19-cv-00929-DBB-CMR). The court
found that BLM’s preparation of an Environmental Assessment was sufficiently
thorough in examining the potential impacts of the leases, including examining
air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. The court also found that BLM
met its statutory duty under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to
develop and revise land use plans in connection with the leasing project.
However, the court stated that BLM did not adequately explore alternatives to
the leases. As a result, the court ordered BLM to conduct and document a
reasonable alternative analysis which complies with the requirements of
NEPA. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Production and
Operation: Texas Court Orders Texas Railroad Commission to Stop Granting
Exceptions to Environmental Regulations <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 10, 2020, a
state court in Texas issued an injunction preventing the Texas Railroad
Commission from granting exceptions to oil companies from certain environmental
regulations. Specifically, the ruling
applies to requirements imposing obligations upon 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. The </span><a href="https://www.citizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-07-22-PC-v.-RRC-Original-Petition-for-Writs-of-Mandamus-and-Injunction.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">lawsuit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, brought by Public Citizen, Inc., against the Texas Railroad
Commission stated that the Commission violated the Texas Open Meetings Act and
the Administrative Procedure Act. (Case No. D-1-GN-20-003795). The
court determined that the Texas Railroad Commission provided insufficient
notice to the public regarding the environmental regulation exceptions and that
no further exceptions could be granted by the Commission until the court
considers the merits of the case or the Commission provides the appropriate
notice. The Texas Railroad Commission has appealed the court’s
order. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Forest
Service Publishes Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for
Mountain Valley Pipeline Project<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 11, 2020,
the U.S. National Forest Service </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd863209.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">announced</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> that a </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd863227.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (FSEIS) is available
for public comment. The FSEIS was prepared in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to consider the impact that the
Mountain Valley Pipeline project may have on the 3.5-mile portion of the
Jefferson National Forest in Virginia and West Virginia. The core issues
addressed in the FSEIS included a Forest Plan Amendment, the feasibility and
practicality of routes for the pipeline which do not cross public forests, and
erosion and sediment control. Notice of the FSEIS’s availability was
published in the Federal Register at </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/11/2020-27266/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 80093</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> on December 11, 2020. Public comments are due by January
11, 2021. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: FERC Permits
Mountain Valley Pipeline to Continue Construction<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 17, 2020,
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an </span><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?document_id=14915429&optimized=false"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> partially lifting stop work orders previously issued to the
Mountain Valley Pipeline and permitting some construction activity on the
project to resume. The order allows the Mountain Valley Pipeline to
restart construction in an area around the Jefferson National Forest which was
formerly excluded from stop work orders lifted by FERC. Following its
review, FERC concluded that construction would not create sediment impacting
waterways in the Jefferson National Forest. In addition, FERC found that
the proposed route is unlikely to change and allowing construction to continue
would not limit actions from the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest
Service. One FERC Commissioner dissented, stating that the stop work
order should not be lifted because of the litigation that has accompanied the
pipeline project and the project’s need for additional permits to be issued.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/12/15/predicting-the-effect-of-bidens-election-on-the-oil-industry-and-the-climate/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Predicting the Effect of Biden’s Election on
the Oil Industry and the Climate</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 15, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21893&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Reaches Agreement with CrossAmerica
Partners, LP to Address Fuel Storage Violations</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 17, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States
Environmental Protection Agency: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/crowley-fuels-pays-over-1-million-environmental-public-safety-violations-alaska"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crowley Fuels pays over $1 million for
environmental, public safety violations in Alaska</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 17, 2020)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-historic-approval-floridas-request-administer-clean-water-act-section-404"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Announces Historic Approval of Florida’s
Request to Administer the Clean Water Act Section 404 Program</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 17, 2020)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-epa-finalizes-benefit-cost-analyses-procedures-increase"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: EPA Finalizes
Benefit-Cost Analyses Procedures to Increase Consistency, Honest Accounting in
Future Clean Air Act Rulemakings</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 10, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 51—Dec. 19, 2020</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-51/1795.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 7259</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
“Application of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. for approval of the
abandonment of natural gas service to one residential premise located in Centre
County.” (Dec. 19, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dec. 14-18, 2020):</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/14/2020-27031/hazardous-and-solid-waste-management-system-disposal-of-ccr-a-holistic-approach-to-closure-part-b"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 80626</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final Rule </i>“Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System:
Disposal of CCR; A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternate Demonstration
for Unlined Surface Impoundments; Correction” (Dec. 14, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/18/2020-27888/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 82474</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Dec. 18, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/15/2020-27530/golden-pass-pipeline-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-the-preparation-of-an-environmental-assessment-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81196</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Golden Pass Pipeline LLC; Notice of Schedule for
the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Compression Relocation
and Modification Project” (Dec. 15, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/15/2020-27531/spire-storage-west-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-the-preparation-of-an-environmental-assessment-for-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81193</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Spire Storage West, LLC; Notice of Schedule for
the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Clear Creek Expansion
Project” (Dec. 15, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/15/2020-27536/empire-pipeline-inc-notice-of-petition-for-waiver"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81196</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Empire Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of
Petition for Waiver” (Dec. 15, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/17/2020-27798/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the-proposed"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81920</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of
Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed 2021 Auburn
A-Line Abandonment and Capacity Replacement Project” (Dec. 17, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fish and Wildlife
Service</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/17/2020-27752/notice-of-receipt-of-right-of-way-application-for-natural-gas-pipeline-crossing-san-bernard-national"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81952</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Notice of Receipt of Right-of-Way
Application for Natural Gas Pipeline Crossing San Bernard National Wildlife
Refuge” (Dec. 17, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Land Management
Bureau </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/16/2020-27683/notice-of-availability-of-the-coastal-plain-marsh-creek-east-seismic-exploration-environmental"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81485</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Notice of Availability of the
Coastal Plain Marsh Creek East Seismic Exploration Environmental Assessment”
(Dec. 16, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/16/2020-27560/pipeline-safety-midstream-facilities-frequently-asked-questions"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 81440</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Proposed rule—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Midstream
Facilities Frequently Asked Questions” (Dec. 16, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/17/2020-27712/pipeline-safety-information-collection-activities"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 82028</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Information
Collection Activities” (Dec. 17, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8995?s=1&r=30"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8995</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To require the Secretary of Energy to establish programs for
carbon dioxide capture, transport, utilization, and storage, and for other
purposes.” <i>Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and
in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce </i>(Dec. 16, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5120?s=1&r=29"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 5120</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “SAFER Pipelines Act of 2019” <i>Placed on Union Calendar </i>(Dec.
17, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/9036?s=1&r=2"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 9036</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To amend title VI of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
of 1978 to establish a Federal renewable electricity standard for retail
electricity suppliers and a Federal energy efficiency resource standard for
retail electricity suppliers and retail natural gas suppliers, and for other
purposes.” <i>Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(Dec.
18, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/5050?s=1&r=3"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 5050</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
to provide grants for deployment of renewable fuel infrastructure, and for
other purposes.” <i>Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources </i>(Dec. 17, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Dec. 14-18, 2020:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/12/enbridge-plans-to-seek-dismissal-of-gov-whitmers-order-to-shut-down-line-5.html?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=69d4fc4968-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_12_08_01_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-69d4fc4968-238321227"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enbridge Plans To Seek Dismissal Of Gov.
Whitmer’s Order To Shut Down Line 5</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” MLive<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://delawarevalleyjournal.com/pas-natural-gas-is-stranded-from-high-risk-energy-regions-like-new-england/?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=69d4fc4968-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_12_08_01_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-69d4fc4968-238321227"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PA’s Natural Gas Is Stranded from ‘High Risk’
Energy Regions Like New England</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Delaware Valley Journal<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN28O1TL?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=103071026&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--MFkCa2R-MAwtM0a7-A7oLNxOUii6Hl6eLCsFGHEsQzjeCdHlnpcW2wPR6THtOstbRaF5cI_VH3oCT7t2DHAaUNOeaNw&utm_content=103071026&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exxon Mobil, Under Pressure On Climate, Aims
To Cut Emissions Intensity By 2025</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Reuters<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/climate-change-eu-fund/eu-agrees-its-green-transition-fund-will-not-support-natural-gas-idUKL4N2IW2P7?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=103376012&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9vBtjod1NC8UqS4WvCe1rrVvRXny0jNS2kqLIfweJUwyvFgm7gFMcaOCMYwW5QdWpIxnLedYpMSBj06JCEuH_0_dhQLw&utm_content=103376012&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EU Agrees Its Green Transition Fund Will Not
Support Natural Gas</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Reuters <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-4772f0f711ea4e6bb18d7c2da67ed227"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Mexico Land Boss Ends Fresh Water Sales
For Oil And Gas</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” AP</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-10367480203828131782020-12-18T15:55:00.001-05:002020-12-18T15:55:12.139-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - December 18, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Exports: Department
of Energy Issues Rule Modifying Requirements for Environmental Review on LNG
Projects <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 4, 2020, the
U.S. Energy Department published a </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-26459/national-environmental-policy-act-implementing-procedures"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">final rule</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in the Federal Register (85 FR 78197) that would modify
environmental reviews requirements for some liquified natural gas (LNG)
projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The new rule relieves the Department of Energy
from having to conduct environmental reviews in connection with some aspects of
exporting and importing LNG with non-Free Trade Agreement countries. For example, the Department of Energy will no
longer review potential environmental impacts stemming from construction and
operation of new LNG export facilities and will no longer review authorization
requests to import natural gas. The new
rule will take effect on January 4, 2021. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Impact Studies:
Ninth Circuit Invalidates BOEM Environmental Impact Study for Alaska Oil
Drilling Project <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 7, 2020, a
panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an </span><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca9/18-73400/18-73400-2020-12-07.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> holding that two federal agencies failed to fully consider the
impact that oil drilling operations in the Beaufort Sea in Alaska would have on
the environment and wildlife. The court
in <i>Center for Biological Diversity v. Bernhardt</i>,<i> </i>case number
18-73400, held that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) violated
the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to appropriately consider the
potential emissions impacts from foreign oil consumption. The court also
rejected a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) biological opinion finding that
the agency’s decision was inadequate in estimating harm to polar bears. In addition, the court determined that FWS
violated the Endangered Species Act by relying on “uncertain, nonbinding
mitigation measures'' to create the biological opinion. Lastly, because BOEM relied on the FWS
biological opinion, the court found BOEM’s decision to approve Hillcorp Alaska,
LLC’s Liberty Project to be arbitrary and capricious. The court vacated the approval of the project
and remanded the decision to the agency for an administrative review according
to the court’s findings. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Exports: Delaware
River Basin Commission Affirms Construction of LNG Export Facility <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 9, 2020, the
Delaware River Basin Commission (Commission)</span><a href="https://www.nj.gov/drbc/meetings/archive/recent-drbc-mtg.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> affirmed</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> its decision to approve construction of a marine logistics
facility designed to transport bulk liquid products, including liquefied
natural gas (LNG). The facility, known as the Dock 2 project, is located
at the Gibbstown Logistics Center in New Jersey. After the project was initially approved in
June 2019, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network submitted a request for a public
hearing, primarily expressing concern for danger posed by inadvertent releases
of LNG. The</span><a href="https://www.nj.gov/drbc/library/documents/ResForMinutes-and-Opinion120920_GLC_Dock2.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Commission determined</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> that environmental risks from LNG spills were
improbable and that approval of the project would not interfere with the
Commission’s Comprehensive Plan for the Delaware River Basin. The decision was affirmed by Delaware, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the federal government, while New York abstained from
the vote.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chris Barronzzi, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawreport.com/2020/12/08/ohio-supreme-court-holds-that-the-marketable-title-act-and-the-dormant-mineral-act-both-apply-to-severed-oil-and-gas-interests/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ohio Supreme Court Holds That The Marketable
Title Act And The Dormant Mineral Act Both Apply To Severed Oil And Gas
Interests</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 8, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/12/08/texas-npri-burdened-with-post-production-costs/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas NPRI Burdened with Post-Production Costs</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 8, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/12/10/louisiana-discovery-cannot-save-a-successions-untimely-claim/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Discovery Rule Can’t Save a Louisiana
Succession’s Untimely Claim</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
(Dec. 10, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/12/07/could-the-biden-administration-cancel-oil-and-gas-leases-in-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Could The Biden Administration Cancel Oil And
Gas Leases In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">? (Dec. 7, 2020)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Margaret Barry &
Korey Silverman-Roati, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/12/11/december-2020-updates-to-the-climate-case-charts/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">December 2020 Updates To The Climate Case
Charts</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 11, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21891&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority
Provides $1.7 Million in COVID-19 Restart Grants to 11 Clean Energy and Energy
Efficiency Projects Statewide</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 8, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States Department
of Energy Press Releases:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-extends-third-set-lng-export-authorizations-through-2050"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Extends Third Set of LNG
Export Authorizations Through 2050</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 10, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dec. 7- 11, 2020):</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/09/2020-25818/oil-and-gas-and-sulfur-operations-on-the-outer-continental-shelf-revisions-to-the-requirements-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79266</span></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Proposed Rule—Comments Period </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer
Continental Shelf-Revisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the
Arctic Outer Continental Shelf” (Dec. 9, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/11/2020-27266/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 80093</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Dec. 11, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/07/2020-26780/eagle-lng-partners-jacksonville-ii-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78840</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Application — Comments Period </i>“Eagle LNG
Partners Jacksonville II LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December
31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Dec. 7,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/07/2020-26779/eagle-lng-partners-jacksonville-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78842</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Application — Comments Period </i>“Eagle LNG
Partners Jacksonville LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December
31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Dec. 7,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/08/2020-26913/vista-pacifico-lng-sapi-de-cv-application-for-long-term-multi-contract-authorization-to-export"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79003</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Application—Comments Period </i>“Vista Pacifico LNG,
S.A.P.I. de C.V.; Application for Long-Term, Multi-Contract Authorization To
Export Domestically Produced Natural Gas Through Mexico to Non-Free Trade
Agreement Countries After Liquefaction to Liquefied Natural Gas” (Dec. 8,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Information
Administration </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/08/2020-26884/agency-information-collection-extension"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79005</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice and request for OMB review and comment </i>“Agency
Information Collection Extension” (Dec. 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Office of Natural
Resources Revenue</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/11/2020-27267/states-decisions-on-participating-in-accounting-and-auditing-relief-for-federal-oil-and-gas-marginal"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 80147</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“States' Decisions on Participating in Accounting
and Auditing Relief for Federal Oil and Gas Marginal Properties” (Dec. 11,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fish and Wildlife
Service </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/08/2020-26747/marine-mammals-incidental-take-during-specified-activities-proposed-incidental-harassment"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79082</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of receipt of application and proposed incidental
harassment authorization; availability of draft environmental
assessment—Comments Period </i>“Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During
Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Polar
Bears in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska” (Dec. 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/07/2020-26825/columbia-gulf-transmission-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-the-preparation-of-an-environmental-assessment"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78849</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC; Notice of
Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the East
Lateral Xpress Project” (Dec. 7, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Land Management
Bureau </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/07/2020-26788/notice-of-2021-coastal-plain-alaska-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-and-notice-of-availability-of-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78865</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of sale </i>“Notice of 2021 Coastal Plain Alaska Oil
and Gas Lease Sale and Notice of Availability of the Detailed Statement of
Sale” (Dec. 7, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ocean Energy Management
Bureau</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/09/2020-25818/oil-and-gas-and-sulfur-operations-on-the-outer-continental-shelf-revisions-to-the-requirements-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79266</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Proposed Rule—Comments Period </i>“Oil and Gas and Sulfur
Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Revisions to the Requirements for
Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf” (Dec. 9,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/07/2020-26782/pipeline-safety-random-drug-testing-rate-management-information-system-reporting-and-obtaining-drug"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78931</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Random Drug
Testing Rate; Management Information System Reporting; and Obtaining Drug and
Alcohol Management Information System Sign-In Information” (Dec. 7,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/08/2020-26925/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-colorado-interstate-gas-company-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 79074</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Request for
Special Permit; Colorado Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C.” (Dec. 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1426?s=1&r=21"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 1426</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Timely Review of Infrastructure Act” <i>Received in the Senate.
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. </i>(Dec.
10, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8915?s=1&r=9"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8915</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 to provide for the consideration of climate change,
and for other purposes.” <i>Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment. </i>(Dec. 10, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8948?s=1&r=2"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8948</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “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.” <i>Referred to the Committee on Ways
and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and
Transportation and Infrastructure</i> (Dec. 10, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Dec. 7-11, 2020: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2020/12/07/stories/1063720023?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aclimatewire"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seattle Aims To Ban Fossil Fuel Heating
Systems</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Climatewire <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/12/07/stories/1063719991?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Minn. Regulators Deny Request To Delay Line 3
Oil Project</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Energywire <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/lake-huron-superior-lake-michigan-michigan-traverse-city-643e33e211a25fd9ec0865be2cab858b?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=102252068&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--gTPL1UEOAPqw76jHZ0MuCS-3BbulrgCaE1v7RQBGLGd91GAQtRBto-woj9ELGEu8xBlPM1K87mvS4pinh5MSsya-TnA&utm_content=102252068&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Officials Hear Arguments On Enbridge
Pipeline Tunnel</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” AP <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.naturalgasintel.com/permian-highway-start-up-sending-natural-gas-to-gulf-coast/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Permian Highway Start-Up Sending Natural Gas
to Gulf Coast</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Natural Gas Intelligence <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/federal-regulators-are-rewriting-environmental-rules-so-a-massive-pipeline-can-be-built?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter&utm_content=river-links"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Regulators Are Rewriting Environmental
Rules So a Massive Pipeline Can Be Built</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” ProPublica</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-4765228284836354872020-12-11T16:49:00.004-05:002020-12-11T16:49:46.897-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - December 11, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Regulation:
Pennsylvania Governor Vetoes Amendment to Conventional Oil and Gas Act <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 25, 2020,
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf </span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/cl/public/ViewVetoMessage.cfm?sessyr=2020&sessInd=0&billbody=S&billtype=B&billnbr=790&pn=1446&vetonbr=17"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">vetoed</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> a bill that would have amended the Conventional Oil and Gas Act.
The purpose of the changes in </span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2019&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0790&pn=1446"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 790</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> was to alleviate challenges faced by conventional oil drillers
stemming from </span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=2012&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=13"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Act 13</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> regulations imposed on them after the Pennsylvania Marcellus
shale boom in 2012. Among other revisions, the bill would have decreased
reporting requirements for spills and would have permitted wastewater to be
used on roads to reduce dust. In the veto, the governor stated that he would
not sign the bill into law because the amended bill did not sufficiently guard
the environment and public’s health and safety and did not sufficiently protect
the state’s natural resources. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency Issues Construction Stormwater Permit to Enbridge <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 30, 2020,
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a </span><a href="https://webapp.pca.state.mn.us/csw/permits/C00058538"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">construction stormwater permit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement project.
Enbridge is required to comply with the permit which compels the company to
reduce erosion and prevent sediment pollution throughout the construction
process. The stormwater construction permit was the final permit needed in
order to begin construction on the pipeline. In a </span><a href="https://www.enbridge.com/media-center/news/details?id=123654&lang=en"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Enbridge noted that because it has now received all of the
permits required to begin the project, construction on the Line 3 Replacement
project may begin, but it did not announce a date on which construction will
commence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/another-case-on-post-production-costs/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another Case on Post-Production Costs</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 3, 2020) <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/12/03/why-electric-utilities-must-engage-in-climate-resilience-planning/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why Electric Utilities Must Engage In Climate
Resilience Planning</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Dec. 3, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States Department
of Energy Press Releases: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-2020-us-clean-energy-education-empowerment-awardees"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Announces 2020 U.S. Clean
Energy Education & Empowerment Awardees</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 1, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-departments-interior-and-energy-launch-new-collaboration-improved-safety-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Departments of the Interior and Energy
Launch New Collaboration for Improved Safety and Environmental Stewardship in
Offshore Energy Exploration and Production Operations</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 30, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">United States
Environmental Protection Agency Press Releases: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-500000-community-scale-air-toxics-monitoring-grant-michigan-department"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Announces a $500,000 Community-Scale Air
Toxics Monitoring Grant to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and
Energy</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Dec. 3, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania
Legislature:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2978"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2978</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as
the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for greenhouse gas emissions tax.” <i>Referred
to Finance </i>(Nov. 30, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020): </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/30/2020-26295/presidents-council-of-advisors-on-science-and-technology"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76559</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Open Virtual Meeting </i>“President's Council of
Advisors on Science and Technology” (Nov. 30, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/01/2020-26490/annova-lng-common-infrastructure-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77200</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Application—Comments Period </i>“Annova LNG Common
Infrastructure, LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31,
2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Dec. 1,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-26459/national-environmental-policy-act-implementing-procedures"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78197</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final Rule </i>“National Environmental Policy Act Implementing
Procedures” (Dec. 4, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/01/2020-26474/information-collection-request-submitted-to-omb-for-review-and-approval-comment-request-nsps-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77212</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Information Collection Request
Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for Onshore
Natural Gas Processing Plants (Renewal)” (Dec. 1, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/02/2020-26379/financial-responsibility-requirements-under-cercla-section-108b-for-facilities-in-the-electric-power"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77384</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final Rule </i>“Financial Responsibility Requirements Under
CERCLA Section 108(b) for Facilities in the Electric Power Generation,
Transmission, and Distribution Industry; the Petroleum and Coal Products
Manufacturing Industry; and the Chemical Manufacturing Industry” (Dec. 2,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-23164/fuels-regulatory-streamlining"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78412</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final Rule </i>“Fuels Regulatory Streamlining” (Dec. 4,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-26692/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78323</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Dec. 4, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission: </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/01/2020-26454/southern-star-central-gas-pipeline-inc-notice-of-schedule-for-the-preparation-of-an-environmental"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77205</span></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Notice </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Schedule for
the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Lines DT and DS
Replacement Project Amendment” (Dec. 1, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-26709/mountain-valley-pipeline-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78317</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC;
Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline” (Dec. 4,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/04/2020-26710/southern-natural-gas-company-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-and-establishing"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 78321</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Southern Natural Gas Company LLC;
Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and
Protest Deadline” (Dec. 4, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forest Service</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/01/2020-26515/jefferson-national-forest-monroe-county-west-virginia-giles-and-montgomery-county-virginia-mountain"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77142</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Revised notice of intent to prepare a supplemental
environmental impact statement </i>“Jefferson National Forest; Monroe County,
West Virginia; Giles and Montgomery County, Virginia. Mountain Valley Pipeline
and Equitrans Expansion Project Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement”
(Dec. 1, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interior Department</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/01/2020-26442/notice-of-lodging-of-proposed-consent-decree-under-the-comprehensive-environmental-response"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 77249</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Notice of Lodging of Proposed
Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Oil Pollution
Act (OPA) and Notice of Availability of Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental
Assessment of Restoration Project Incorporated Into Proposed Consent Decree”
(Dec. 1, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/434?s=1&r=5"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 434</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to require the collection of certain data relating to
Bureau of Land Management land acquisitions, and for other purposes.” <i>Held
at the desk </i>(Dec. 3, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4947?s=1&r=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 4947</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require
annual lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico region of the outer Continental Shelf,
and for other purposes.” <i>Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources </i>(Dec. 2, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/natural_gas_helps_to_shrink_energy_poverty_gap-27-nov-2020-163926-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2020_11_30&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F4"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural Gas Helps to Shrink Energy Poverty Gap</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Rigzone <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/11/30/stories/1063719405?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tribes File To Halt Line 3 Pipeline Approval
Due To Virus</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” E&E News <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-climate-netherlands-climate-change-environment-c256f3be23815e494a1b6f1c037c1fa8?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=101464952&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_4EuhcGPI91Z9hLMFlVeVe4l7t1fIffeEE8qLMw3f8-lR8AUoCJ4A0c_2OBTZTeVb5WRXCQy4A7M5pRJR-M5VhV672pA&utm_content=101464952&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dutch Climate Activists Take Shell to Court
Over Emissions</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” AP <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/congress-questions-ferc-on-natural-gas-pipelines/article_eea8ebbe-a75e-5943-acca-f73918d4c143.html?utm_term=0_724b1f01f5-6bcd853c4b-89277095&utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=101464952&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_1WT0yjgUYzYFKwnkgVVgGMr-alTfErcenEUuXN5peHF-FvKxRTNLmoxE4SY1R-CT2EcJAGRKnIzT-fOAJHwIXZ2dPkg&utm_content=101464952&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congress Questions FERC On Natural Gas
Pipelines</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” The Herald Dispatch <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://pennbizreport.com/news/18248-enbridge-begins-solar-power-project/?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=f8bf440f7e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_12_02_01_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-f8bf440f7e-238321227"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enbridge Begins Solar Power Project</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Pennsylvania Business Report </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-58871866170243380512020-11-30T15:33:00.006-05:002020-12-02T12:49:16.241-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 30, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Enbridge
Granted Water Crossing Permit by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 23, 2020,
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) issued a </span><a href="https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling/edockets/searchDocuments.do?method=showPoup&documentId=%7BA064FB75-0000-C914-8131-A2AD58BBDB79%7D&documentTitle=202011-168569-01"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">water crossing permit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to Enbridge pipeline for the Line 3 replacement
project. In a </span><a href="https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/2425470/corps-of-engineers-issues-enbridge-line-3-permit/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, the Corps stated that “the<span style="background: white;"> Line 3
project is compliant with all federal laws and regulations.” On November 24, 2020, the Minnesota Public
Utilities Commission also issued its authorization allowing the pipeline
replacement project to proceed. In its </span></span><a href="https://www.enbridge.com/media-center/news/details?id=123652&lang=en"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Enbridge noted that the only
outstanding permit needed to proceed with the project is a stormwater permit
issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Operation and Production:
Colorado Finalizes Rulemaking Shifting Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation
Commission to Regulating Oil and Gas Industry <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 23, 2020,
the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission <a href="https://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/media/Press_Release_Mission_Change_Vote_20201123.pdf">finalized</a> rules in
accordance with the direction of </span><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 19-181</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
enacted April, 2019. The legislation
shifted the Commission’s function from “fostering” the oil and gas industry to
“regulating” it. A </span><a href="https://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/media/Mission_Change_200_600_800_900_1200_Series_Fact_Sheet_20201123.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fact sheet</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> issued by the Commission summarizes the various rules which have
been implemented by the Commission and will become effective January 15,
2021. The new rules include
changes relating to permit transfers, environmental justice, chemical
prohibitions, underground wastewater disposal, and setback requirements for
schools and homes. The rules also prohibit unnecessary flaring and venting. In the upcoming year, the Commission plans to engage
in additional rulemaking in areas such as Financial Assurance, Fees, and Worker
Certification.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Income Taxation: DC
Court of Appeals Refuses to Reconsider Decision Disallowing Income Tax
Allowances for Pipelines <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 19, 2020,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an order
which denied the petitioner’s request for a rehearing <i>en banc </i>to reconsider
the court’s earlier </span><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/cadc/19-1067/19-1067-2020-07-31.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> issued on July 31, 2020, in <i>SFPP v. FERC </i>(Docket Number
19-1067). The July 31 order approved a
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) policy decision which discontinued
an income tax allowance for pipeline limited partnerships. The court’s decision to deny a rehearing
affirms its prior decision that FERC had the authority and properly altered the
policy allowing pipelines to recoup income tax allowances through
cost-of-service rates. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">George A. Bibikos, </span><a href="https://www.gabibikos.com/post/at-the-well-weekly-v-11-20-2020"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the Well Weekly</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Nov. 20, 2020)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/category/something-completely-different"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Something Completely Different </span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Nov. 20, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency News Releases: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finds-existing-requirements-effectively-address-financial-risks-three-industries"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Finds That Existing Requirements
Effectively Address Financial Risks from Three Industries</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 25, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 48—Nov. 28, 2020</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-48/1661.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 6826</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Department of Environmental Protection,
“Climate Change Advisory Committee Rescheduled Virtual Meeting” (Nov. 28,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-48/1663.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 6828</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Department of Environmental Protection, “Oil
and Gas Technical Advisory Board Virtual Meeting” (Nov. 28, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania
Legislature:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=790"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 790</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act relating to conventional wells and the development of
oil, gas and coal; imposing powers and duties on the Department of
Environmental Protection; providing for preliminary provisions, for general
requirements, for enforcement and remedies, for related funds and for
miscellaneous provisions; and making an appropriation.” <i>Vetoed by the
Governor </i>(Nov. 25, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2293"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2293</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in services and facilities, providing for emergency
response plans.” <i>Approved by Governor </i>(Nov. 25, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nov. 23-27, 2020): </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-26179/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76077</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Nov. 27, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-26038/public-notice-of-state-of-texas-submittal-to-epa-of-request-for-partial-national-pollutant-discharge"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76073</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Hearing—Comments
Period </i>“Public Notice of State of Texas' Submittal to EPA of Request for
Partial National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program
Authorization for Oil and Gas Discharges” (Nov. 27, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/24/2020-25932/national-petroleum-council-meeting"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 75001</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Open Meeting </i>“National Petroleum Council
Meeting” (Nov. 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Land Management
Bureau </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/24/2020-25958/notice-of-intent-to-amend-the-2007-east-alaska-resource-management-plan-and-prepare-the-associated"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 75030</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Intent—Comments Period </i>“Notice of Intent To
Amend the 2007 East Alaska Resource Management Plan and Prepare the Associated
Environmental Assessment” (Nov. 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/25/2020-26077/golden-pass-pipeline-llc-notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental-issues-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 75313</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice —Comments Period </i>“Golden Pass Pipeline LLC; Notice
of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed
Compression Relocation and Modification Project” (Nov. 25, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-26190/coffeyville-resources-refining-and-marketing-llc-v-transcanada-keystone-pipeline-lp-notice-of"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76069</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Coffeyville Resources Refining
& Marketing, LLC v. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP; Notice of Complaint”
(Nov. 27, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-25721/federal-consistency-appeal-by-jordan-cove-energy-project-lp-and-pacific-connector-gas-pipeline-lp"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76017</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—closure of administrative appeal decision record </i>“Federal
Consistency Appeal by Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P. and Pacific Connector
Gas Pipeline, LP” (Nov. 27, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interior
Department </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/25/2020-26029/louisiana-trustee-implementation-group-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-final-restoration-plan-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 75373</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Availability </i>“Louisiana Trustee Implementation
Group Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Final Restoration Plan and Environmental
Assessment #7: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; and Birds; and
Finding of No Significant Impact” (Nov. 25, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-26146/notice-of-availability-of-the-final-programmatic-environmental-impact-statement-for-fuels-reduction"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76101</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for Fuels Reduction and Rangeland Restoration in
the Great Basin; Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah” (Nov.
27, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/27/2020-26153/notice-of-realty-action-non-competitive-direct-sale-of-the-reversionary-interest-and-mineral"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 76101</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Notice of Realty Action: Non-Competitive Direct
Sale of the Reversionary Interest and Mineral Interest in a Recreation and
Public Purpose Act Patent, in Pershing County, Nevada” (Nov. 27, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Nov. 23-27, 2020:<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pipelines-growth-focus/pipe-dreams-leave-u-s-energy-firms-caught-in-climate-trap-idUSKBN2830EM"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipe Dreams Leave U.S. Energy Firms Caught In
Climate Trap</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Reuters<br /></span><a href="https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/natural-gas/112020-dc-circuit-again-upholds-ferc-stance-on-pipeline-income-tax-allowance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DC Circuit Again Upholds FERC Stance On
Pipeline Income Tax Allowance</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, S&P Global <br /></span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/nov_and_nextier_to_test_electric_frac_prototype-19-nov-2020-163899-article/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NOV and NexTier to Test Electric Frac
Prototype</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Rigzone <br /></span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/enbridge-solar-project/enbridge-begins-construction-of-new-solar-facility-in-pennsylvania-idUSL4N2I63HF"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enbridge Begins Construction Of New Solar
Facility In Pennsylvania</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">,
Reuters<br /></span><a href="https://earther.gizmodo.com/the-danger-of-big-oil-s-new-methane-emissions-pledge-1845739135?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=100791098&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8kOOJ9My8-OMqPXJr689wB2Y2dZP5cqVGk5BAGsWlMsIjjwfvBK9mAVnK3J1Ac8oD-nZxWl-xeHmbVCfal3zOnYgqQgw&utm_content=100791098&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Danger of Big Oil’s New Methane Emissions
Pledge</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Gizmodo </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our publications
and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-45601151911745302152020-11-25T12:12:00.004-05:002020-11-25T12:12:33.647-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 25, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Michigan
Governor Revokes Easement for Enbridge Line 5 and Orders Operations to Cease<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 13, 2020,
the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, issued a </span><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIEOG/2020/11/13/file_attachments/1600920/Notice%20of%20%20Revocation%20and%20Termination%20of%20%20Easement%20%2811.13.20%29.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice of Revocation and Termination of
Easement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to Enbridge, ordering
it to cease operation of the Line 5 pipeline which runs under the Straits of Mackinac.
Enbridge was given 180 days to comply
with the order, with operations ceasing no later than May 12, 2021. The Notice states that the easement was
revoked due to violations of the public trust doctrine and various requirements
imposed by the original 1953 Easement. That
same day, the Attorney General’s Office for the state of Michigan also filed a
lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court (<i>Enbridge Energy et al. v. Reichel et
al</i>., docket number 20-646-CE) seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. The </span><a href="https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/CC_-_Summons_And_Complaint__COMPLAINT_FILED-WITH_FEE_-_20-000646-CE-C30_-___707721_7.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Complaint</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> asks the court to declare that the governor’s Notice of
Revocation and Termination of Easement properly revoked the 1953 Easement and
that the notice properly directed the termination to take effect in 180
days. It also seeks an order directing Enbridge to stop operation of the
pipeline within 180 days and to permanently decommission the pipeline. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Construction
on Mountain Valley Pipeline May Continue while Court Considers U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Biological Opinion and Incidental Take Statement<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On November 18, 2020, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an </span><a href="https://bluevirginia.us/2020/11/u-s-court-of-appeals-denies-stay-of-fish-wildlife-services-approvals-for-mountain-valley-pipeline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> denying a motion to stay the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
biological opinion and incidental take statement. The </span><a href="https://bluevirginia.us/2020/11/enviro-groups-file-stay-motion-in-4th-circuit-for-fish-and-wildlife-services-biological-opinion-and-incidental-take-statement-for-the-mountain-valley-pipeline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">motion</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> asked the court to issue an order to stop construction on the
Mountain Valley Pipeline until the </span><a href="https://www.abralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MVP-BiOp-from-FWS-9-4-20.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">biological opinion and incidental take
statement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> issued in September of
this year was reviewed. As a result of
the court’s denial, construction on the pipeline will be permitted to continue,
except in an area around the Jefferson National Forest, until the court reviews
the arguments advanced in the motion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/11/18/another-real-estate-contract-succumbs-to-indequate-property-description/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another Real Estate Contract Succumbs to
Indequate Property Description</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Nov. 18, 2020)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/another-bankruptcy-court-weighs-in-on-rejection-of-gas-contracts/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another Bankruptcy Court Weighs In On
Rejection of Gas Contracts</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
(Nov. 17, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency News Releases:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/koppers-inc-settles-epa-alleged-oil-spill-prevention-violations-west-virginia"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Koppers Inc. settles with EPA for alleged oil
spill prevention violations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Nov. 19, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-reaches-settlements-oil-production-facilities-hays-kansas-alleged-clean-water-act"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Reaches Settlements with Oil Production
Facilities in Hays, Kansas, for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Nov. 18, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 47—Nov. 21, 2020</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>):</u><br /></span></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-47/1614.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 6716</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Department of Environmental Protection, “Coal
Mining Reclamation Fee Amount for 2021” (Nov. 21, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=790"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 790</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act relating to conventional wells and the development of
oil, gas and coal; imposing powers and duties on the Department of
Environmental Protection; providing for preliminary provisions, for general
requirements, for enforcement and remedies, for related funds and for
miscellaneous provisions; and making an appropriation.” <i>Presented to the
Governor, Nov. 18, 2020 </i>(Nov. 18, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=1088"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 1088</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “A Resolution urging Pennsylvania's Independent Regulatory Review
Commission to reject the proposed carbon dioxide budget trading program
regulation as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.” <i>Reported as
committed </i>(Nov. 18, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=619"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 619</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394),
known as The Clean Streams Law, in general provisions and public policy,
further providing for definitions; and, in other pollutions and potential
pollution, providing for notice of discharge endangering health or the
environment.” <i>Laid on the table </i>(Nov. 18, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2293"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2293</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in services and facilities, providing for emergency
response plans.” <i>Presented to the Governor </i>(Nov. 20, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=284"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 284</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of November 29, 2006 (P.L.1435, No.156),
known as the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection
Act, further providing for definitions; providing for pipeline operation and
emergency response plans; and further providing for prohibition.” <i>Laid on
the table </i>(Nov. 19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=258"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 258</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in service and facilities, providing for pipeline
emergency management information.” <i>Laid on the table </i>(Nov. 19, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nov. 16-20, 2020): </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/16/2020-24488/findings-of-failure-to-submit-state-implementation-plan-revisions-in-response-to-the-2016-oil-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 72963</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final action </i>“Revisions in Response to the 2016 Oil and
Natural Gas Industry Control Techniques Guidelines for the 2008 Ozone National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and for States in the Ozone Transport
Region” (Nov. 16, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/20/2020-25652/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 74338</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Nov. 20, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/16/2020-25168/hazardous-materials-information-collection-activities"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 73128</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice and request for comments—Comment period </i>“Hazardous
Materials: Information Collection Activities” (Nov. 16, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interior
Department </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/20/2020-25624/notice-of-teleconference-meeting-of-the-exxon-valdez-oil-spill-public-advisory-committee"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 74375</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Meeting notice </i>“Notice of Teleconference Meeting of the
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee” (Nov. 20, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Land Management Bureau</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/17/2020-25316/call-for-nominations-and-comments-for-the-coastal-plain-alaska-oil-and-gas-lease-sale"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 73292</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comment period </i>“Call for Nominations and Comments
for the Coastal Plain Alaska Oil and Gas Lease Sale” (Nov. 17, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/20/2020-25672/agency-information-collection-activities-oil-shale-management"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 74378</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of information collection—Comment period </i>“Agency
Information Collection Activities; Oil Shale Management” (Nov. 20, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/20/2020-25667/cameron-lng-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for-existing-non-free"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 74331</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of application—Comment period </i>“Cameron LNG, LLC;
Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing
Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorizations” (Nov. 20, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ocean Energy Management
Bureau</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/18/2020-25518/notice-of-availability-of-the-proposed-notice-of-sale-for-gulf-of-mexico-outer-continental-shelf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 73508</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of availability </i>“Notice of availability of the
Proposed Notice of Sale for Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region-Wide
Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257” (Nov. 18, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/19/2020-25510/agency-information-collection-activities-leasing-of-minerals-other-than-oil-gas-and-sulphur-in-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 73746</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of information collection—Comment Period </i>“Agency
Information Collection Activities; Leasing of Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and
Sulphur in the Outer Continental Shelf” (Nov. 19, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/19/2020-25558/transwestern-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 73698</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of
Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed
Linam Ranch Project” (Nov. 19, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8806?s=1&r=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8806</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an
investment option under the Thrift Savings Plan that does not include
investment in any fossil fuel companies.” <i>Referred to the Committee on
Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce,
and Education and Labor </i>(Nov. 20, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8759?s=1&r=25"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8759</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To approve certain advanced biofuel registrations, to require
the consideration of certain advanced biofuel pathways, and to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and for other purposes.” <i>Referred to the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce</i> (Nov. 17, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/senate-communication/116th-congress/executive-communication/5917?s=1&r=18"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EC 5917</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A communication from the Division Chief of Regulatory Affairs,
Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled "Non-Energy Solid Leasable Minerals
Royalty Rate Reduction Process” (Nov. 18, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Nov. 16-20, 2020: <br /></span></b><a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-oil-and-gas-industry-new-mexico-michelle-lujan-grisham-5f1334fbc100b25e30096dfcc38b3a33"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Mexico Treasurer Says Methane Proposal Has
Loopholes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, AP<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.naturalgasintel.com/oil-gas-permits-for-lower-48-federal-land-climb-ahead-of-bidens-election/">Oil, Gas Permits for Lower 48 Federal Land
Climb Ahead of Biden’s Election</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Natural Gas Intelligence<br /></span><a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11112020/two-us-oil-companies-join-their-european-counterparts-making-net-zero-pledges"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two U.S. Oil Companies Join Their European
Counterparts in Making Net-Zero Pledges</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Inside Climate News<br /></span><a href="https://apnews.com/article/water-quality-environment-minnesota-42b171b7c5f80443443512763f9425e7?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=100217582&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9fnPdb3wC-k0HybN89FSQNr8uhXMXEpZkf2QYE1haL_AD2c7GGMuaW7OD9PG4JSV7YBwS0oVI593wiV9E9SUoJOigAig&utm_content=100217582&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most Of Advisory Group Quits Over Permit For
Line 3 Pipeline</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, AP<br /></span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/tc-energy-keystone/explainer-what-is-happening-with-the-keystone-xl-oil-pipeline-idUSL1N2I4172?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=100348456&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8oBCxj1ETfJ1xa6xgsYKDC5U9FDVT0Ktxxq56pXpai2qr1PqBkUEY9A-xpQtTMAPg69KTnhb8Tf--d7akWLLk2OQvQQQ&utm_content=100348456&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Explainer: What is Happening with the Keystone
XL Oil Pipeline?</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Reuters</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-7116931063275252052020-11-20T12:11:00.004-05:002020-11-20T12:13:12.670-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 20, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Court of
Appeals Issues Stay for Mountain Valley Pipeline NWP12 Permits <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 9, 2020, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an </span><a href="https://www.lawandenvironment.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/11/Sierra-Club-v.-US-ACOE-November-2020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> granting petitioners’ motions to stay water crossing permits
issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Mountain Valley Pipeline
project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The administrative stay will
temporarily block the Nationwide Permit 12 which was </span><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/09/29/document_ew_01.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">reissued </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on September 25, 2020. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court did not explain its reasoning for
granting the stay, but it will issue an opinion on this matter at a later time.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Audio for the oral argument on the
motion is available </span><a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/audio/72816/sierra-club-v-u-s-army-corps-of-engineers/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Municipal Regulation:
San Francisco Bars Use of Natural Gas in New Construction <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 10, 2020,
the San Francisco Board of Supervisors </span><a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag111020_minutes.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">voted</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to amend its building code to bar the use of natural gas in new
construction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amended ordinance will
require that new construction utilize only electric power for stoves, furnaces,
and water heaters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The change was
prompted by the City’s decision to explore more environmentally friendly “green
building standards” and to implement electric power standards in the building
code.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Minnesota
Agency Issues Water Quality Certification for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement
Project <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 12, 2020,
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued its approval for Enbridge
Energy’s Line 3 pipeline replacement project to move forward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MPCA issued what it describes in its </span><a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news/mpca-requires-stringent-water-quality-requirements-enbridges-line-3-project"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">as “its most stringent 401 water quality certification to date”
along with approval for a capped air emissions </span><a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/Enbridge-Energy-Limited-Partnership-Clearbrook-Terminal-Capped-Air-Emission-Permit.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">permit</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and a NPDES wastewater </span><a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/Final-NPDES-SDS-Line-3-Permit.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">permit</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the </span><a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/Final-401-water-quality-certification-for-Enbridge-Line-3-Project.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">401 Water Quality Certification</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, MPCA found that the pipeline replacement
project meets the state’s antidegradation standards and that Enbridge has
verified that it will complete construction activities in a manner that
maintains water quality standards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MPCA
imposed several conditions relating to construction and stream crossings,
taking additional measures at already impaired waters, rice waters, and during
certain seasons, and requiring that Enbridge undertake compensatory mitigation
for impacted wetlands and streams. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enbridge
must also pay for independent, third-party environmental monitors who will be
responsible for ensuring that the provisions in MPCA’s permits are followed
while Enbridge completes the Line 3 replacement project. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Revolution
Pipeline Barred from Transporting Gas Until Steep Slopes Stabilized <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 11, 2020,
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an </span><a href="http://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SWRO/SWROPortalFiles/RevolutionSteepSideSlopeOrder11112020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> preventing the Revolution Pipeline in western Pennsylvania from
being filled with natural gas before certain areas along the pipeline with
steep slopes are made stable enough to prevent landslides. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DEP’s order prohibits the pipeline from
transporting natural gas until DEP approves Stability Analyses and Permanent
Stabilization Plans to prevent landslides, erosion, and other nuisances. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These requirements come as a result of a
landslide which occurred along the pipeline in September 2018 that caused the
pipeline to break leading to the ignition of the pipeline and destruction of
nearby forested areas, a home, barn, and several vehicles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span><a href="http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PA%20Pipeline%20Portal/RevolutionPipeline/Consent_Order_and_Agreement_01-03-2020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consent Order and Agreement </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">resulting from the incident imposed a $30.6
million civil penalty on the pipeline for its violations. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">George A. Bibikos, </span><a href="https://www.gabibikos.com/post/at-the-well-weekly-v-11-6-2020"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the Well Weekly, Art. I, sec. 27</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 6, 2020) <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/11/11/a-unique-discovery-request-in-a-texas-water-rights-fight/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Unique Discovery Request in a Texas Water
Rights Fight</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 11, 2020)<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael Burger, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/11/09/book-launch-combating-climate-change-with-section-115-of-the-clean-air-act/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Book Launch: Combating Climate Change With
Section 115 Of The Clean Air Act</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 9, 2020) <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amy Turner, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/11/13/what-bidens-climate-plans-might-mean-for-cities/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What Biden’s Climate Plans Might Mean For
Cities</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 13, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS RELEASES -
STATE/FEDERAL</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection Press Releases:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21888&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Orders ETC Northeast Pipeline to Keep
Natural Gas out of Unstable Sections of Revolution Pipeline</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 12, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency News Releases: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/greenhouse-gas-emissions-continue-decline-american-economy-flourishes-under-trump-0"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Greenhouse Gas Emissions Continue to Decline
as the American Economy Flourishes Under the Trump Administration</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 9, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS -
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 45—Nov. 14, 2020</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">): :</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-46/1601.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 6516</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission,
“Tentative Order; Implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
Act of 2004: Standards for the Participation of Demand Side Management
Resources—Technical Reference Manual 2021 Update; Doc. No. M-2019-3006867”
(Nov. 14, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania
Legislature:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=247"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 247</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for well permits.” <i>Removed
from the table </i>(Nov. 12, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nov. 9-13, 2020): </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department: </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/09/2020-24820/notice-of-orders-issued-under-section-3-of-the-natural-gas-act-during-september-2020"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 71334</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of orders, </i>“Notice of Orders Issued Under Section 3
of the Natural Gas Act During September 2020” (Nov. 9, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/13/2020-25132/southern-lng-company-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for-existing"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 72643</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice of Application </i>“Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.;
Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing
Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” (Nov. 13, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/13/2020-25203/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 72649</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Nov. 13, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/13/2020-25112/citizens-s-line-transmission-llc--notice-of-petition-for-declaratory-order"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 72647</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comment Period </i>“Citizens S-Line Transmission LLC ;
Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order” (Nov. 13, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8746?s=1&r=2"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8746 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To establish a Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental
Work Conservation Corps in the Department of the Interior and the Department of
Agriculture, and for other purposes.” <i>Referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Energy and
Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure </i>(Nov. 12, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Nov. 9-13, 2020: <br /></span></b><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-climate-environment-2847d202946b09e4fd516b9f4b5bdad9?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=99356196&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_SmAb6tqIeKirUyHC4zrMwK24MO5-0BhZGeXcqslGghk_DGb03S2XqcLPRwWri-KsjoHfidteN2s14FOrcOhE_z196zA&utm_content=99356196&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biden Looks To Restore, Expand Obama
Administration Policies</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
AP <br /></span><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2020/11/06/colorado-venting-flaring-oil-gas-wells-methane-pollution/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colorado Regulators Give Initial OK To Ban On
Flaring Of Oil, Gas Wells To Curb Methane Pollution</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, The Denver Post <br /></span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_prices_in_violently_positive_reaction-10-nov-2020-163807-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2020_11_11&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F5"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil Prices in Violently Positive Reaction</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Rigzone <br /></span><a href="https://trib.com/business/energy/new-oil-and-gas-permitting-rule-shows-promising-results-in-wyoming/article_1ec792e1-dfc8-5bc0-83d3-3b1db179f5ea.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Oil And Gas Permitting Rule Shows
Promising Results In Wyoming</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Casper Star Tribune <br /></span><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/No-more-natural-gas-in-new-San-Francisco-15717658.php?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=34785"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No More Natural Gas In New San Francisco
Buildings Starting Next Year</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, San Francisco Chronicle </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-23581858924443202952020-11-13T17:16:00.002-05:002020-11-13T17:17:51.837-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 13, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methane Emissions: Texas
Approves Revisions to Data Sheet to Collect More Information on Flaring <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 4, 2020, the
Texas Railroad Commission </span><a href="https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/oil-gas/announcements/rrc-approves-revisions-to-form-r-32-application-for-exception-to-statewide-rule-32/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">announced</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that it had approved revisions to the Statewide Rule 32 Exception
Data Sheet. The changes were </span><a href="https://rrc.texas.gov/media/59123/2020_08_04_11_58_16_t-bar.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">proposed</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in August and will compel oil and gas operators to more
thoroughly document the reasons for which operators determine their need to
flare gas. The new provisions allow the Texas Railroad Commission to
assess operator compliance with flaring and venting regulations. The changes
will also provide more insight into the practice of flaring and venting by
providing a method for collecting critical data points. The new </span><a href="https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/60315/r-32-fillable.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Application for Exception to Statewide Rule 32</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> form is effective immediately, however
operators may continue to use the previous form until April 1, 2021. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>National Energy Policy:
President Issues Memorandum Directing Secretary of Energy to Assess Impacts of
Banning Hydraulic Fracturing <br /></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 31, 2020,
President Donald J. Trump issued a </span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-protecting-jobs-economic-opportunities-national-security-americans/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">presidential memorandum</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which directs the Secretary of Energy to submit
a report to the President to assess how decreasing or prohibiting hydraulic
fracturing would impact American workers, the economy, and national security.
The report is due in 70 days and will examine a range of topics
including jobs, energy prices, tax revenues, trade, and energy production
in Russia and China. The memorandum also reinforces </span><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/WCPD-2001-05-21/pdf/WCPD-2001-05-21-Pg769.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Order 13211</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, issued by President George W. Bush, which
requires executive agencies, upon taking certain actions, to prepare a
Statement of Energy Effects when those actions may significantly and adversely
impact energy supply, distribution, or use. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette
issued a </span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/statement-secretary-brouillette-presidents-memorandum-fracking"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that said that “[th]e Department of Energy will swiftly and
thoroughly execute our tasks as directed by President Trump.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: North Dakota
Federal Judge Dismisses Dakota Access Pipeline Protestor’s Defamation Suit
Against County Law Enforcement<br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 29, 2020, the
U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota issued an </span><a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ndd.37573/gov.uscourts.ndd.37573.46.0.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> dismissing a Dakota Access Pipeline protestor’s defamation and
excessive force claims against law enforcement in Morton County, North Dakota
while allowing other claims to go forward. In her </span><a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ndd.37573/gov.uscourts.ndd.37573.1.0.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, filed at 1:18-cv-236, Plaintiff Sophia Wilansky alleged that she
was injured in 2016 during a peaceful protest by an explosive munition that was
deployed in her direction by law enforcement. She alleged that law enforcement
thereafter defamed her by making statements to the press that she was injured
by a homemade explosive device rather than through the use of force by police.
Wilansky stated in the complaint that, as a result of law enforcement’s
statements, she has gained the “undeserved reputation as a violent protestor
and would-be terrorist.” In dismissing the excessive force claim, the court
found that using non-lethal force to disperse protestors told to move from the
area does not shock the conscience, the standard which must be met to maintain
an excessive force lawsuit. Further, the court found that the county was not
liable under the <i>Monell</i> theory of liability because Wilansky could not
show that it was a policy or custom for county law enforcement to engage
in excessive force or that law enforcement engaged in a pattern of excessive
force. The defamation claims were dismissed because the court found that the
law enforcement officers were entitled to immunity because the statements about
Wilansky were made in the course of the officers’ official duties. Wilansky’s other claims relating to excessive
force, assault and battery, negligence, and emotional harm were permitted to
proceed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brett Thornton, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawreport.com/2020/11/04/paycheck-protection-program-loan-necessity-questionnaire/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paycheck Protection Program Loan Necessity
Questionnaire</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 4, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/11/03/louisiana-oil-pipeline-expropriation-system-is-constitutional/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Louisiana Oil Pipeline Expropriation System is
Constitutional</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 4, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daniel J. Metzger, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/11/06/sabin-center-launches-climate-attribution-database/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sabin Center Launches Climate Attribution
Database</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection Press Releases:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21882&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Environmental Quality Board Seeks Comments
on CO2 Budget Trading Program Regulations</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Department of
Energy Press Releases </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/statement-secretary-brouillette-presidents-memorandum-fracking"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Statement from Secretary Brouillette on the
President's Memorandum on Fracking</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Oct. 31, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Department of
Environmental Protection</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-recognizes-freight-industry-leaders-environmental-performance-new-jersey-and-new"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA Recognizes Freight Industry Leaders
for Environmental Performance New Jersey and New York among the Winners</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-recognizes-freight-industry-leaders-environmental-performance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA Recognizes Freight Industry Leaders
for Environmental Performance</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-recognizes-freight-industry-leaders-georgia-environmental-performance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA Recognizes Freight Industry Leaders
in Georgia for Environmental Performance</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-recognizes-freight-industry-leaders-north-carolina-environmental-performance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA Recognizes Freight Industry Leaders
in North Carolina for Environmental Performance</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-recognizes-nine-truck-carriers-iowa-missouri-and-nebraska-environmental-performance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Recognizes Nine Truck Carriers in Iowa,
Missouri and Nebraska for Environmental Performance and Energy Efficiency</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-honors-northwest-companies-top-environmental-performance-moving-more-goods-more"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Honors Northwest Companies For Top
Environmental Performance – Moving More Goods More Miles With Less Energy And
Emissions</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-recognizes-pacific-southwest-freight-industry-leaders-environmental-performance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA Recognizes Pacific Southwest Freight
Industry Leaders for Environmental Performance</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Nov. 5, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies (</span></u></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 45—Nov. 7, 2020</span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">):</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-45/1541.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 6212</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Environmental Quality Board, “CO</span><sub><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 </span></sub><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Budget Trading Program” Proposed Rulemaking (Nov. 7,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania
Legislature:</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nov. 2-6, 2020): </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/02/2020-21446/npdes-electronic-reporting-rule-phase-2-extension"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69189</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Final Rule </i>“NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule-Phase 2
Extension” (Nov. 2, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/05/2020-24543/proposed-information-collection-request-comment-request-gathering-data-on-results-of-newly-required"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70612</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Proposed Information Collection
Request; Comment Request; Gathering Data on Results of Newly Required Annual
and Triennial Testing To Evaluate the Impacts of U.S. E.P.A.'s 2015 Federal
Underground Storage Tank Regulation” (Nov. 5, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/06/2020-24695/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 71074</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice </i>“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of
Availability” (Nov. 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/03/2020-24307/proposed-agency-information-collection-extension-with-changes"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69608</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice and request for OMB review and comment</i> “Proposed
Agency Information Collection Extension, With Changes” (Nov. 3, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Information
Administration</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/03/2020-24374/agency-information-collection-extension-with-changes"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69609</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comment Period </i>“Agency Information Collection
Extension With Changes” (Nov. 3, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/06/2020-24687/agency-information-collection-extension"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 71063</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Agency Information Collection
Extension” (Nov. 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/03/2020-24327/natural-gas-pipeline-company-of-america-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69619</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice —Comments Period </i>“Natural Gas Pipeline Company of
America, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline”
(Nov. 3, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/03/2020-24273/southern-star-central-gas-pipeline-inc-notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69611</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice —Comments Period </i>“Southern Star Central Gas
Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental
Issues for the Proposed Lines DT and DS Replacement Project Amendment” (Nov. 3,
2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/03/2020-24274/spire-storage-west-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 69609</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Spire Storage West LLC; Notice of
Request for Extension of Time” (Nov. 3, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/04/2020-24457/enable-gas-transmission-llc-enable-gulf-run-transmission-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70133</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Enable Gas Transmission, LLC;
Enable Gulf Run Transmission, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Environmental
Assessment for the Proposed Gulf Run Pipeline and Line CP Modifications
Project” (Nov. 4, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/04/2020-24458/freeport-lng-development-lp-flng-liquefaction-llc-flng-liquefaction-2-llc-and-flng-liquefaction-3"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70140</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Environmental Assessment </i>“Freeport LNG Development,
L.P., FLNG Liquefaction, LLC, FLNG Liquefaction 2, LLC and FLNG Liquefaction 3,
LLC; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Noble Gas Project”
(Nov. 4, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/04/2020-24459/gulf-south-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-and-establishing"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70137</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Gulf South Pipeline Company, LLC;
Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and
Protest Deadline” (Nov. 4, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/05/2020-24551/commission-information-collection-activities-ferc-588-comment-request-extension"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70604</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Commission Information Collection
Activities (FERC-588); Comment Request; Extension” (Nov. 5, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Foreign-Trade Zones
Board </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/06/2020-24677/foreign-trade-zone-116-port-arthur-texas-application-for-subzone-port-arthur-lng-llc-port-arthur-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 71048</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Foreign-Trade Zone 116-Port
Arthur, Texas; Application for Subzone; Port Arthur LNG, LLC; Port Arthur and
Jefferson County, Texas” (Nov. 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/04/2020-24011/pipeline-safety-midstream-facilities-frequently-asked-questions"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70124</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Proposed Rule </i>“Pipeline Safety: Midstream Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions” (Nov. 4, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/05/2020-24555/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-columbia-gas-transmission-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70710</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Pipeline Safety: Request for
Special Permit; Columbia Gas Transmission, L.L.C.” (Nov. 5, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Office of the
President</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/04/2020-24601/protecting-jobs-economic-opportunities-and-national-security-for-all-americans-by-ensuring"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70039</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Presidential Document </i>“Protecting Jobs, Economic
Opportunities, and National Security for All Americans by Ensuring Appropriate
Support of Innovative Technologies for Using Our Domestic Natural Resources”
(Nov. 4, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maritime
Administration </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/05/2020-24550/deepwater-port-license-application-blue-marlin-offshore-port-llc-bmop"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 70707</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>Notice—Comments Period </i>“Deepwater Port License
Application: Blue Marlin Offshore Port, LLC (BMOP)” (Nov. 5, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Nov. 2-6, 2020: <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/02/metro/effort-curb-emissions-state-regulators-probe-future-natural-gas-massachusetts/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=98907554&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8BDMmPh5uF0jPvOB_oUpEJzhwsFB0gGAnY3vjgojfY09hOA4-qxIeRdAke_Am1-gwuNMzo-qlB2cex9d0R_uQTiiy1tQ&utm_content=98907554&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Effort To Curb Emissions, State Regulators
Probe The Future Of Natural Gas In Massachusetts</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Boston Globe <br /></span><a href="https://www.wvpublic.org/energy-environment/2020-11-02/environmental-groups-ask-federal-court-to-once-again-stop-construction-of-the-mountain-valley-pipeline?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=98907554&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8nAG9KzLPDnz3ntKSpWBKnSE1ud12sI5pm9Luc1T63A2dX35gNFo0oduOPeo0JWmLLEEaizKuABkTJzkvTMRc-PW7vOg&utm_content=98907554&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Groups Ask Federal Court To Once
Again Stop Construction Of The Mountain Valley Pipeline</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, West Virginia Public Broadcasting <br /></span><a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/exxon-warns-of-us-30-billion-shale-writedown-amid-record-loss-1.1515378"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exxon Warns of US$30 Billion Shale Writedown
Amid Record Loss</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Bloomberg News <br /></span><a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2020/10/29/colorado-oil-natural-gas-flaring-emissions-cogcc.html?ana=smartbrief"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colorado Moves To Eliminate Routine Natural
Gas Flaring At Oil Wells</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
Denver Business Journal <br /></span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2020/11/03/stories/1063717607?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aclimatewire"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nation Sees Its Oil Industry Continuing 10-15
Years</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, E&E News </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger detailing our
publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-79509280147371009522020-11-09T08:43:00.006-05:002020-11-09T08:43:32.184-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 9, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Michigan
Limits Scope of Hearings on Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On October 23, 2020, the
Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules issued a </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://mi-psc.force.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/download/068t000000FTQghAAH"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ruling</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> on the Motion <i>in Limine</i> submitted by
Enbridge to limit the scope and evidence presented in upcoming hearings before
the Michigan Public Service Commission regarding construction of Line 5 under
the Straits of Mackinac. In the
decision, the agency determined that it was necessary for the Commission to
consider the Utility Tunnel’s design, construction, and operation in the
construction of the pipeline. The
Commission must also consider the Utility Tunnel to determine that Enbridge has
undertaken good faith efforts to limit the pipeline’s physical and economic
impacts. Enbridge’s request that the
Commission not consider public need and safety issues for the entire length of
Line 5 was granted, limiting the scope of the hearing. The agency’s decision also found that evidence
of the environmental impacts of processes related to extracting, refining, or
consuming oil was not relevant to the Commission’s consideration of the
pipeline as a form of transportation. Because
of this, the Commission will not consider evidence pertaining to greenhouse gas
emissions or climate change. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Exports: Department
of Energy Approves Extension of Three LNG Export Authorizations Through 2050<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On October 28, 2020, the
U.S. Department of Energy released a </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-extends-additional-lng-export-authorizations-through-2050#:~:text=DOE%20has%20received%20a%20strong,export%20term%20extensions%20through%202050.&text=The%20United%20States%20is%20among,by%20the%20end%20of%202025."><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> notifying the public that it extended the terms
of three liquified natural gas projects export authorizations until December
31, 2050. The Department of Energy’s actions
extend term authorizations for Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass in Louisiana, Corpus
Christi LNG in Texas, and Sempra Energy’s Port Arthur in Texas. The extensions permit these companies to
export liquified natural gas to both free trade and non-free trade countries
through the end of the year 2050. The
authorizations were made pursuant to the Department of Energy’s final policy
statement published in July 2020 at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/25/2020-16836/extending-natural-gas-export-authorizations-to-non-free-trade-agreement-countries-through-the-year"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52237</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">George A. Bibikos, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.gabibikos.com/post/at-the-well-weekly-v-10-23-2020"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the Well
Weekly, Art. 1, sec. 27</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Oct. 23, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/10/27/status-as-a-common-carrier-denied-by-a-texas-court/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Status as a
Common Carrier Denied by a Texas Court</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Oct. 27, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">John McFarland, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/mineral-title-dispute-before-texas-supreme-court/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mineral Title
Dispute Before Texas Supreme Court</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Oct. 28, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. Department of
Energy Press Releases: <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-extends-additional-lng-export-authorizations-through-2050"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DOE Extends
Additional LNG Export Authorizations Through 2050</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Oct. 28, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-provide-24-million-epscor-grants-energy-related-research"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of
Energy to Provide $24 Million in EPSCoR Grants for Energy-Related Research</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Oct. 27, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies (</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Home/volume"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bulletin Vol. 50, No. 44—Oct. 31, 2020</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies (</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Oct. 26–30, 2020): </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Energy Department</u><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/29/2020-24004/driftwood-lng-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-for-existing-long-term-authorization-through"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68569</span></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Notice of application: </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Driftwood LNG LLC; Application To Amend Export
Term for Existing Long-Term Authorization Through December 31, 2050” (Oct. 29,
2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Environmental Protection
Agency<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/26/2020-23491/national-emission-standards-for-hazardous-air-pollutants-petroleum-refinery-sector-action-denying-a"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67665</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Rule—Denial of petition for reconsideration:
</i>“National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Petroleum
Refinery Sector: Action Denying a Petition for Reconsideration” (Oct. 26,
2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/30/2020-24059/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68871</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice—Comment Periods: </i>“Environmental
Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” (Oct. 30, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/30/2020-24129/information-collection-request-submitted-to-omb-for-review-and-approval-comment-request-regulation"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68873</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice—Comment Periods: </i>“Information
Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request;
Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Gasoline Volatility (Renewal)” (Oct.
30, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/26/2020-23640/notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline-golden-pass-pipeline-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67724</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice: </i>“Notice of Application and
Establishing Intervention Deadline; Golden Pass Pipeline LLC” (Oct. 26,
2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/26/2020-23653/notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental-issues-for-the-planned-la-storage-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67733</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice—Comment Period: </i>“Notice of
Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned LA
Storage, LLC Hackberry Storage Project” (Oct. 26, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/27/2020-23726/notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental-issues-for-the-proposed-columbia-gulf"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68063</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice—Comment Period: </i>“Notice of
Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed
Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC East Lateral Xpress Project” (Oct. 27,
2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/27/2020-23731/transcontinental-gas-pipe-line-company-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-vr-22"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68065</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice: </i>“Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line
Company, LLC; Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the VR-22 to Shore
Abandonment Project” (Oct. 27, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/28/2020-23858/spire-storage-west-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68324</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice: </i>“Spire Storage West LLC; Notice
of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline” (Oct. 28, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/28/2020-23864/national-fuel-gas-supply-corporation-and-empire-pipeline-inc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68323</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice: </i>“National Fuel Gas Supply
Corporation and Empire Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Request for Extension of Time”
(Oct. 28, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/30/2020-24019/transwestern-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68863</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice: </i>“Transwestern Pipeline Company,
LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline” (Oct. 30,
2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Land Management Bureau<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/27/2020-23761/notice-of-availability-of-the-final-environmental-impact-statement-for-the-wyoming-pipeline-corridor"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68087</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice of Availability: </i>“Notice of
Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Wyoming
Pipeline Corridor Initiative (WPCI) Resource Management Plan Amendments to 9
BLM-Wyoming Resource Management Plans” (Oct. 27, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration <br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/30/2020-24108/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-columbia-gulf-transmission-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 68953</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Notice—Comment Period: </i>“Pipeline Safety:
Request for Special Permit; Columbia Gulf Transmission, L.L.C.” (Oct. 30,
2020). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. House Energy and
Commerce Committee</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3623?s=1&r=10"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 3623</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Climate Risk Disclosure Act of 2019” <i>Placed
on the Union Calendar </i>(Oct. 27, 2020).<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">H.R. 8671 “To establish
the Committee on Large-Scale Carbon Management in the National Science and
Technology Council and a Federal Carbon Removal Initiative, and for other
purposes.”</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and
in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Oct. 23, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">—Top #ShaleLaw HotLinks Oct. 26-30, 2020:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/10/23/stories/1063716925?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Court Urged to
Reverse BLM Fracking Rule Rollback Over NEPA</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, E&E News Publishings<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-oil-brouillette/u-s-oil-production-will-not-return-soon-to-pre-pandemic-levels-energy-secretary-says-idUSKBN27D2G8?il=0"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Oil
Production Will Not Return Soon to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Energy Secretary Says</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Reuters <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/10/27/stories/1063717135?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 Election
Battles Could Overhaul U.S. Oil and Gas</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, E&E News Publishings<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-mulling-executive-order-forcing-government-agencies-to-perform-fracking-analysis"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trump Mulling
Executive Order For Government Fracking Analysis</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Fox Business <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-emissions/global-emissions-from-fuel-consumption-likely-peaked-last-year-research-idUSKBN27C1NF"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Global
Emissions From Fuel Consumption Likely Peaked Last Year: Research</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, Reuters</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Every week we post the CASL Ledger
detailing our publications and activities from the week. </span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-9954031399840534272020-11-02T12:03:00.034-05:002020-11-03T12:08:08.427-05:00Shale Law Weekly Review - November 2, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Federal Judge
Permits Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline to Continue at Border <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 16, 2020, the
U.S District Court for the District of Montana issued an </span><a href="https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20201019g54"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> denying renewed motions for a temporary restraining order and
preliminary injunction filed by environmental groups seeking to stay all
approvals that had been issued and to enjoin all pre-construction and
construction activities for the Keystone XL Pipeline System. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The District Court concluded that petitioners,
Indigenous Environmental Network and North Coast Rivers Alliance, failed to
show both a likelihood of success on the merits and that they are likely to
suffer irreparable injury if the injunction were denied. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court noted that the case involved
“complex and novel issues” and ordered additional briefing to be done by the
parties addressing pipeline crossings at international borders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Petitioners’ </span><a href="http://blogs2.law.columbia.edu/climate-change-litigation/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/case-documents/2019/20190405_docket-419-cv-00028_complaint-1.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> challenges the 2019 </span><a href="https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-presidential-permit-1833674343"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">executive order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> issued by President Trump permitting the
pipeline to be constructed between the U.S. and Canada and alleges that the
order violates the Property and Commerce Clauses of the Constitution and </span><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/WCPD-2004-05-10/pdf/WCPD-2004-05-10-Pg723.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Order 13337</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Enbridge Line
3 Receives Favorable Recommendation and Department of National Resources
Permits <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 16, 2020, an
administrative law judge for the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings
issued a </span><a href="https://mn.gov/oah/assets/2200-36909-mpca-enbridge-line-3-draft-401-certification-report_tcm19-450165.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">report</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> finding that petitioners failed to meet their burden of proof
challenging the plans for construction to replace 340 miles of the Enbridge
Line 3. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The judge found that the
petitioners, comprised of environmental groups and tribes, failed to prove that
water quality and wetlands would be permanently impacted from
construction. The petitioners also failed to show that the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency and Enbridge did not identify an environmentally
prudent method for crossing two hundred twelve streams, and that the Agency and
Enbridge had undercounted the amount of wetland that would be altered or
impacted by the project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 19, 2020, the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources </span><a href="https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/features/line3/decision-2020-10-19.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">issued</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> two permits to Enbridge, stating that “the proposed project meets
the applicable State of Minnesota environmental regulatory requirements to
receive” the Department’s approval. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Department of Natural Resources approved both the Gully 30 Fen Calcareous Fen
Management Plan and the Gully 30 Fen Water Appropriation Permit. The Department
is still considering eight other Enbridge Line 3 related plans. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methane Emissions: New
Mexico’s Proposed Rules Will Require Capture of 98% of Natural Gas Produced at
Wells <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 15, 2020, the
New Mexico Oil Conservation Division </span><a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ADMIN/documents/OCDMethaneRuleReleaseFinal101520.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">released</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> two new proposed rules (</span><a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/OCD/documents/cases/21528/21528-Part_27_20201015.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19.15.27</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/OCD/documents/cases/21528/21528-Part_28_20201015.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19.15.28</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) and three amendments to existing rules to reduce emissions in
oil and gas fields. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Oil Conservation
Division has </span><a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/OCD/documents/cases/21528/21528-Application_20201015.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">requested</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Oil Conservation Commission to hold a public hearing on the
new rules on January 5, 2021. The rules would impose new regulations governing
reporting and reducing the amount of natural gas which is flared or vented. The
new rules also propose regulations which would require operators to capture 98%
of the natural gas produced from their wells by December 31, 2026. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rules were promulgated in response to New
Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s </span><a href="https://www.governor.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EO_2019-003.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">executive order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> directing the agency to address methane
emissions and waste in the state’s oilfields. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Fourth
Circuit Issues Order Staying Construction on Mountain Valley Pipeline <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 16, 2020, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued two </span><a href="https://bluevirginia.us/2020/10/breaking-fourth-circuit-court-of-appeals-issues-temporary-stay-on-mountain-valley-pipeline-for-now-halting-work-on-1000-water-crossing-in-wv-va"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">orders</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which halt construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline in
Virginia and West Virginia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
administrative stays will remain in place until the court has an opportunity to
fully consider the motions for stay filed by environmental groups opposing the
pipeline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both motions, filed at docket
numbers </span><a href="https://bluevirginia.us/2020/10/enviro-groups-ask-fourth-circuit-to-stay-nationwide-permit-12-verifications-for-mountain-valley-pipeline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20-2039</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><a href="https://wildvirginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Motion-for-Stay-of-COE-MVP-approval-10.5.20.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20-2042</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, allege that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wrongly reissued
Mountain Valley Pipeline an NWP 12 permit because the agency failed to comply
with provisions of the Endangered Species Act and because the pipeline cannot
satisfy state specific requirements for the permit to be issued. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/10/20/texas-court-evaluates-consent-to-assign-an-oil-and-gas-lease/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Texas Court Evaluates Consent to Assign an Oil
and Gas Lease</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(October 20, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Margaret Barry &
Korey Silverman-Roati, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/10/20/october-2020-updates-to-the-climate-case-charts/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">October 2020 Updates To The Climate Case
Charts</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (October 20,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>U.S. Department of
Energy Press Releases:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/trump-administration-secures-american-energy-jobs-natural-gas-exports"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trump Administration Secures American Energy
Jobs, Natural Gas Exports</span></a><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (October 20, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>U.S. Department of Environmental
Protection:<br /></b></span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-award-55-million-clean-diesel-projects-mid-atlantic-region"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA to Award Up to $5.5 Million for Clean
Diesel Projects in Mid-Atlantic Region</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (October 20, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-more-48-million-clean-diesel-projects-new-england"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Awards More than $4.8 million for Clean
Diesel Projects in New England</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (October 19, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive Agencies—Actions
and Notices:</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-43/1465.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B 5923</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Department of Labor and Industry, “Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Facility; Notice of Application” (October 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Pennsylvania
Legislature:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=1018"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 1018</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2020 as
"Energy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.” <i>Adopted </i>(October
19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=745"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 745</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for
prohibition on expenditures for emission inspection program.” <i>Third
consideration and defeated on final passage </i>(October 21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2934"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2934</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176),
known as The Fiscal Code, in oil and gas wells, further providing for
definitions and for oil and gas lease fund and providing for Public Natural
Resources Trust Fund.” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(October
19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1365"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 1365</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in natural gas competition, further providing for
standards for restructuring of natural gas utility industry and for consumer
protections and customer service and for requirements for natural gas
suppliers…” <i>Referred to Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure</i>,
(October 19, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Federal Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:<br /></b></span></u><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/23/2020-23474/scoping-period-extension-for-environmental-impact-statement-for-an-easement-to-cross-under-lake-oahe"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67530</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Scoping Period Extension for Environmental Impact Statement for an
Easement To Cross Under Lake Oahe, North Dakota for a Fuel-Carrying Pipeline
Right-of-Way for a Portion of the Dakota Access Pipeline” <i>Notice </i>(October
23, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/23/2020-23464/alternative-methods-for-calculating-off-cycle-credits-under-the-light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67535</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Alternative Methods for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits Under the
Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Program: Applications From
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.” <i>Notice </i>(October 23, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/23/2020-23482/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67536 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” <i>Notice
</i>(October 23, 2020). <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-20327/waiver-of-the-water-quality-certification-requirements-of-section-401a1-of-the-clean-water-act"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66287</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Waiver of the Water Quality Certification Requirements of
Section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act” <i>Proposed Rule; Comments due
November 18, 2020</i> (October 19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-23058/freeport-lng-development-lp-flng-liquefaction-llc-flng-liquefaction-2-llc-flng-liquefaction-3-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66321</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Freeport LNG Development, L.P., FLNG Liquefaction, LLC, FLNG
Liquefaction 2, LLC, FLNG Liquefaction 3, LLC; Notice of Application and
Establishing Intervention Deadline, <i>Notice </i>(October 19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-23062/husky-us-marketing-llc-and-phillips-66-company-v-transcanada-keystone-pipeline-lp-notice-of"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66320</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Husky US Marketing, LLC and Phillips 66 Company v. TransCanada
Keystone Pipeline, LP; Notice of Complaint” <i>Notice </i>(October 19,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-23070/equitrans-lp-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66321</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Equitrans, L.P.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization” <i>Notice
</i>(October 19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/21/2020-20973/participation-of-distributed-energy-resource-aggregations-in-markets-operated-by-regional"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67094</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Participation of Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations in
Markets Operated by Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System
Operators” <i>Final rule </i>(October 21, 2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/21/2020-23296/carbon-pricing-in-organized-wholesale-electricity-markets"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66965</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Carbon Pricing in Organized Wholesale Electricity Markets” <i>Notice
of proposed policy statement </i>(October 21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/21/2020-23289/oil-pipeline-affiliate-contracts"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66972 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oil Pipeline Affiliate Contracts” <i>Proposed policy statement </i>(October
21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/22/2020-23352/magnolia-lng-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for-existing-non-free"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67342</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Magnolia LNG, LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through
December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” <i>Notice
of application </i>(October 22, 2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/22/2020-23350/bp-energy-company-application-for-blanket-authorization-to-export-previously-imported-liquefied"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 67344</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “BP Energy Company; Application for Blanket Authorization To
Export Previously Imported Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement
Countries on a Short-Term Basis” <i>Notice of application </i>(October 22,
2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">85 FR 67348 “Notice of
Revised Schedule for Environmental Review of the Rio Bravo Pipeline Company,
LLC Rio Bravo Pipeline Project Amendment” </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Notice </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(October 22, 2020)<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-23077/gulf-of-mexico-outer-continental-shelf-region-wide-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-256"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66348</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region-Wide Oil and Gas
Lease Sale 256” <i>Final notice of sale </i>(October 19, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/19/2020-23079/gulf-of-mexico-outer-continental-shelf-ocs-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-256"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 66346 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Oil and Gas Lease
Sale 256” <i>Notice of availability of a record of decision</i> (October 19,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8635?s=1&r=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8635</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To amend the Clean Air Act to create a national zero-emission
vehicle standard, and for other purposes” <i>Referred to the House Committee on
Energy and Commerce </i>(October 20, 2020).<br /><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8626?s=1&r=10"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8626</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a grant program
to improve the energy resilience, energy democracy, and security of
communities, prioritizing environmental justice communities, and for other
purposes.” <i>Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and others </i>(October
20, 2020). <br /></span></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4447?s=1&r=14"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 4447</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act” <i>Received in the Senate
and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources</i>
(October 19, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/22/us-renewable-energy-costs-savings-study-report"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aggressive Push to 100% Renewable Energy Could
Save Americans billions – Study</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Guardian <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2020/10/20/colorado-oil-gas-industry-closed-wells-environment/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=97907266&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_aj7eegu1082-2OgxX-JJuDfubrIYp_gBUJ-_BwEvZLA5QWQJnhLbCfh45ued7Qv-yNWTuqUrNZQs1Z1lE3-jSKNk7sg&utm_content=97907266&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil, Gas Industry’s Economic Turmoil Fuels
Worries About Fallout For Landowners, Communities</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Denver Post <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Railroad-Commission-eyes-change-to-flaring-rules-15659937.php"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Railroad Commission Eyes Change To Flaring
Rules</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Houston
Chronicle <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.amny.com/news/elected-officials-join-anti-gas-pipeline-protest-in-brooklyn/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=97809605&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8tqzH50fZwzMUP6Hlg5wiD2vAOFfDOt1YAs56OnWtI31OHWzCC06Ugoe6g0w0JEQyJ_4NgsJdFcf2DNuywIientkkr3A&utm_content=97809605&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elected Officials Say ‘frack That’ To Gas
Pipeline In Brooklyn</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” AMNY <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“ </span><a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09102020/william-perry-pendley-bureau-land-management-Montana-Trump-decision?utm_source=InsideClimate+News&utm_campaign=7b0b1a6fd4-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-7b0b1a6fd4-327804397"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Judge's Ruling Ousted Federal Lands Chief.
Now Some Want His Decisions Tossed, Too</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Inside Climate News </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-68711679450975406012020-10-26T11:10:00.003-04:002020-10-26T11:13:56.072-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - October 26, 2020<p> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Dakota Access
Permitted to Increase Pipeline Capacity <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 14, 2020, the
Illinois Commerce Commission issued an </span><a href="https://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/P2019-0673/documents/304157"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allowing the Dakota Access Pipeline to install more pumping
stations along the pipeline at various locations in Illinois. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission found that the additional pump
stations will help to nearly double the pipeline’s capacity to transport crude
oil from 570,000 barrels per day to up to 1.1 million barrels per day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The additional pump stations will be located
in Hancock County, Massac County, and near Patoka, Illinois. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dakota Access Pipeline alleged the need to
increase capacity of the pipeline in order to meet growing demands of the
public. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The company argued that
Illinois consumes the sixth most petroleum in the nation and that this pipeline
is essential to meeting that need. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: FERC Issues
Order Authorizing Construction of New Double E Pipeline <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 15, 2020, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an </span><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?document_id=14900544&accessionnumber=20201015-3058"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">authorizing the construction and operation of a new pipeline, the
Double E Pipeline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new pipeline is a
joint venture entered into between Summit Permian Transmission, LLC and
ExxonMobil Permian Double E Pipeline, LLC. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proposed pipeline will travel 116.1 miles
from an existing plant in Eddy County, New Mexico to Pecos County, Texas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pipeline is estimated to have permanent
impacts on approximately 967 acres of land, while 72% of the project is
anticipated to run parallel or adjacent to existing utility rights-of-way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission’s order found that Double E had
demonstrated a need for the pipeline’s construction project, had shown that the
project would not impose adverse economic impacts on existing pipelines or
their customers, and had established that the pipeline’s benefits outweighed
any adverse economic impacts that might be imposed on landowners and nearby
neighborhoods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission’s order
also denied an environmental group’s request that an Environmental Impact
Statement be submitted, finding that the Environmental Assessment determined
that the pipeline project would not significantly impact air quality, state and
federal lands, or Karst formations (soluble landscapes which may lead to
sinkholes, caves, and underground streams). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One member of the Commission dissented from
the opinion stating that he believed the Commission’s order violated the
Natural Gas Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a </span><a href="https://summitmidstreampartnerslp.gcs-web.com/node/11541/pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">statement </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Summit Midstream, the company stated that it expects to receive
FERC’s notice to proceed with construction within 90 days after the company has
completed outstanding necessary requirements, files an implementation plan with
FERC, and receives a right-of-way grant from the Bureau of Land
Management. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: Government
Accountability Office Report Suggests Review of Interior Department’s Temporary
Royalty Relief Program <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 6, 2020, the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a </span><a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/720/710030.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">report</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that recommended the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) evaluate the methods they employed in extending
temporary relief regarding royalty payments to oil and gas producers during the
pandemic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the spring of 2020, BLM
developed a temporary program that allowed oil and gas producers to apply for
relief from their responsibility to pay royalties on some oil and gas leases on
federal lands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The program aimed to
avoid permanent losses because of the downturn in the domestic oil markets. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GAO advised that BLM’s administration of the
relief program was inconsistent with BLM failing to establish that some
operators needed the relief to avoid oil and gas well shutdowns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GAO estimated that the relief program may have
resulted in the loss of approximately $4.5 million in revenue. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GAO made the following two recommendations:
(1) that BLM’s Director reevaluate the temporary royalty relief program; and
(2) that BLM’s handbook be updated “to provide specific, consistent, and
transparent policies and procedures for royalty relief.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wastewater Disposal:
Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Approves Rule Change for
Underground Disposal Wells <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 13, 2020, the
Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission approved a </span><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/wyo.gov/oil-and-gas/news-announcements/finaldraftofcommercialclassiidisposalwellrulestobepresentedatoctoberhearings"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">rule </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">change regarding underground disposal wells used by oil and gas
operations to dispose of produced fluids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The regulation comes as a result of recent
Wyoming </span><a href="https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2020/SF0045"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">legislation</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allowing the Commission to regulate both commercial and
noncommercial underground disposal wells. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission received two </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/a/wyo.gov/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=d3lvLmdvdnxvaWwtYW5kLWdhc3xneDoxOWY5MWU1MWUxZDIwOWM0"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">comments</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> regarding bonding requirements and amended the proposed rule in
order to allow for adaptation of the required bond to the individual well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The approved rule will now be reviewed by the
Wyoming Secretary of State and Governor’s office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can watch the Commission’s meeting
discussing the proposed rule and received comments </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqe5QyMFzvw"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> at approximately the 51
minute point. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Health: Harvard
Publishes Study Examining Increased Radiation Near Unconventional Oil and Gas
Development <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On October 13, 2020
Harvard researchers published a </span><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18226-w#Sec2"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">study</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in the journal Nature Communications which found that radiation
levels downwind of unconventional oil and gas wells tend to be higher than
radiation levels found near conventional oil and gas wells. Researchers
collected data from across the United States from 2001 through 2017, analyzing
320,796 measurements from the Environmental Protection Agency’s RadNet
monitors, which monitor background radiation levels in the environment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This data was then compared with oil and gas
well production data collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The researchers concluded that an increase in
radiation released from unconventional oil and gas wells may result in adverse
health effects in nearby communities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
largest increases of radiation were found in the Marcellus and Utica shale
fields as opposed to the fields in Texas and the Dakotas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The researchers noted that further studies are
needed to more completely examine and understand the connection between
unconventional drilling, increased radiation, and the health impacts which
affect nearby neighborhoods.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/10/14/on-the-way-to-a-renewable-energy-future-what-could-possibly-go-wrong/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the Way to a Renewable Energy Future: What
Could Possibly Go Wrong?</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(October 14,
2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/10/12/california-blackouts-highlight-need-to-better-plan-for-climate-impacts/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">California Blackouts Highlight Need To Better
Plan For Climate Impacts</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (October 12, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/10/15/trump-v-the-climate-round-two-what-four-more-years-of-trump-might-mean-for-climate-regulation/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trump v. The Climate, Round Two: What Four
More Years Of Trump Might Mean For Climate Regulation</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(October 15, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Pennsylvania Department
of Energy Press Releases: </u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21876&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Administration Announces Winners of the
2020 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (October 14, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Press Releases:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-procedures-alternate-liner-demonstrations-allows-more-site-specific"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Finalizes Procedures for Alternate Liner
Demonstrations, Allows for More Site-Specific Management of Coal Ash</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (October 16, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-requires-lanai-oil-company-protect-hawaiian-waterways-oil-spills"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. EPA requires Lanai Oil Company to protect
Hawaiian waterways from oil spills</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (October 14, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions - Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br /></span></b><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-42/1432.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 5821</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission,
“Application of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. for approval of the
abandonment of natural gas service to one residential premise located in
Allegheny County.” (October 17, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Pennsylvania
Legislature:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2925"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2925</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known
as the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for
definitions; making an inconsistent repeal; and making editorial changes.” <i>Referred
to Environmental Resources and Energy, </i>(October 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2926"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2826</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for relationship to
solid waste and surface mining.” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources and
Energy, </i>(October 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?CteeBody=H&Code=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 619</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394),
known as The Clean Streams Law” <i>Voting Meeting Scheduled for October 20,
2020 </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Federal Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:<br /></b></span></u><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/13/2020-22557/energa-costa-azul-s-de-rl-de-cv-application-to-amend-long-term-authorization-to-export-natural-gas"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 64452</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Energía Costa Azul, S. de R.L. de C.V.; Application To Amend
Long-Term Authorization To Export Natural Gas to Mexico and To Re-Export
Liquefied Natural Gas From Mexico to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations” <i>Notice
of application; Comment period ends December 14, 2020 </i>(October 13,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22873/golden-pass-lng-terminal-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for-existing"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65392</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC; Application To Amend Export Term
Through December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization”
<i>Notice of application </i>(October 15, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22771/change-in-control-sabine-pass-liquefaction-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65391</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Change In Control; Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC” <i>Notice of
change in control </i>(October 15, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/16/2020-22928/cheniere-marketing-llc-and-corpus-christi-liquefaction-llc-application-for-blanket-authorization-to"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65795</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Cheniere Marketing, LLC and Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC;
Application for Blanket Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to
Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries on a Short-Term Basis” <i>Notice of
application </i>(October 16, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/16/2020-22927/delfin-lng-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through-december-31-2050-for-existing-non-free-trade"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65797</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Delfin LNG LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through
December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” <i>Notice
of application </i>(October 16, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/16/2020-22931/environmental-impact-statements-notice-of-availability"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65800</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” <i>Notice
</i>(October 16, 2020). <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission<br /></span></u></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/13/2020-22546/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-lake-city-1st-branch"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 64454</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Schedule for Environmental
Review of the Lake City 1st Branch Line Abandonment and Capacity Replacement
Project” <i>Notice </i>(October 13, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/13/2020-22503/midship-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-initiation-of-section-5-proceeding"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 64455 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Midship Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5
Proceeding” <i>Notice </i>(October 13, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/14/2020-22671/southern-star-central-gas-pipeline-inc-notice-of-application"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65039</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Application”
<i>Notice </i>(October 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/14/2020-22664/anr-pipeline-company-columbia-gas-transmission-llc-columbia-gulf-transmission-llc-notice-of"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65041</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “ANR Pipeline Company; Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Columbia
Gulf Transmission, LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 Proceeding” <i>Notice
</i>(October 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/14/2020-22660/rover-pipeline-llc-notice-of-initiation-of-section-5-proceeding"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65035 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rover Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5
Proceeding” <i>Notice </i>(October 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22779/columbia-gulf-transmission-llc-notice-of-application-and-establishing-intervention-deadline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65394</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC; Notice of Application and
Establishing Intervention Deadline” <i>Notice </i>(October 15, 2020).<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Resources
Revenue Office <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22773/agency-information-collection-activities-collection-of-monies-due-the-federal-government-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65395 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Agency Information Collection Activities; Collection of Monies
Due the Federal Government; and Processing Refund Requests Related to
Overpayments Made to ONRR” <i>Notice of information collection; request for
comment; comment period ends December 14, 2020 </i>(October 15, 2020). <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration<br /></span></u></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/14/2020-19872/pipeline-safety-class-location-change-requirements"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65142</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements” <i>Proposed
rulemaking; Comment period ends December 14, 2020 </i>(October 14, 2020). <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement Office <br /></span></u></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22850/agency-information-collection-activities-certification-of-blasters-in-federal-program-states-and-on"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65422</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Certification of
Blasters in Federal Program States and on Indian Land” <i>Notice of collection
information; request for comment; comment period ends December 14, 2020 </i>(October
15, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22852/agency-information-collection-activities-permanent-program-performance-standards-surface-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65422</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Permanent Program
Performance Standards-Surface and Underground Mining Activities” <i>Notice of
collection information; request for comment; comment period ends December 14,
2020 </i>(October 15, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/15/2020-22851/agency-information-collection-activities-underground-mining-permit-applications-minimum-requirements"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 65421</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Underground Mining
Permit Applications-Minimum Requirements for Reclamation and Operation Plan” <i>Notice
of collection information; request for comment; comment period ends December
14, 2020 </i>(October 15, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8582?s=1&r=13"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8582 </span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To amend the Clean Air Act to establish a tradeable performance
standard covering emissions from the electricity generation and industrial
sectors, and for other purposes.” <i>Referred to the House Committee on Energy
and Commerce </i>(October 13, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8605?s=1&r=6"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 8605</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
award grants to certain entities to conduct research on, or to establish,
wastewater surveillance and other early warning systems, and for other
purposes.” <i>Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(October
16, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oil-opec/opec-again-cuts-2021-oil-demand-forecast-as-virus-cases-rise-idINKBN26Y1PU?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=97377248&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-82_OvrhuzLaJJbZYZoPxpfNdth-NiIdwbFHgMZ_OyyztZBchPwPc9GbCZYrpbk-_2SJyatJ2UtwfulOPuPwPkZKDu1VQ&utm_content=97377248&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">OPEC Cuts 2021 Oil Demand Forecast Again As
Virus Cases Rise</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Reuters <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/27437-doe-report-indicates-need-for-innovation-while-recognizing-role-of-natural-gas-oil-in-u-s-energy-needs/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DOE Report Indicates Need For Innovation,
While Recognizing Role Of Natural Gas, Oil In U.S. Energy Needs</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Daily Energy Insider <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://trib.com/business/energy/wyomings-energy-sectors-slogging-through-slow-recovery-new-report-shows/article_4da7bd6e-68ee-5b8b-8aca-8dadc8178efc.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wyoming's Energy Sectors Slogging Through Slow
Recovery, New Report Shows</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”
Casper Star Tribune <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2020/10/08/Leters-to-the-editor-Natural-gas-is-key-to-Pa-s-economic-future/stories/202010010154"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural Gas Is Key To Pa.’s Economic Future</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Pittsburgh-Post Gazette <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://roanoke.com/business/local/work-on-mountain-valley-pipeline-can-resume-ferc-rules/article_25ee0551-a132-5205-a47e-a142d9d557bc.html#tracking-source=home-top-story"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Work on Mountain Valley Pipeline Can Resume,
FERC Rules</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Roanoke
Times </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-48655496811073277002020-10-16T10:55:00.004-04:002020-10-16T11:12:34.592-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - October 16, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: FERC Lifts
Stop Work Order for Mountain Valley Pipeline <br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On
October 9, 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20201009-3054"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">partially
lifted </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">its stop work order and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/filelist?accession_num=20201009-3055"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">granted</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Mountain Valley
Pipeline’s request for an extension of time to complete the project. FERC’s order authorizes construction along the
majority of the pipeline route, but it does not authorize construction between
mileposts 196.0 and 221.0. Mountain Valley Pipeline’s request to extend
the deadline to complete the project until October 13, 2022, was also granted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: DC Court of
Appeals Issues Order Denying Motion for Stay of FERC Orders for Jordan Cove Project<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On October 6, 2020, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/10/07/document_ew_04.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> declining to halt the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.jordancovelng.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jordan Cove Project</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Project). The petitioners had filed a motion for summary
vacatur or stay pending judicial review of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) authorizations that allowed the Project to move forward. The court’s order denied the requests on the
grounds that the “parties’ positions were not so clear as to warrant summary
action.” The court also found that the
landowners had not “satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending
court review,” but noted that the court may revisit the request for stay if the
condemnation of the landowner’s property became imminent. The Project consists of an LNG Terminal in
Coos Bay and the 229-mile-long Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/10/06/oil-and-gas-producers-esg-is-here-to-stay/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil and Gas
Producers – ESG is Here To Stay</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(October 6, 2020).<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charles Sartain, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/10/01/my-operator-is-making-money-part-2-the-operators-response/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Operator is
Making Money … Part 2, The Operator’s Response</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(October 1, 2020).<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ama Francis, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/10/07/democratic-climate-plan-centers-equity-but-misses-the-mark-on-climate-induced-migration/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Democratic
Climate Plan Centers Equity But Misses The Mark On Climate-induced Migration</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(October 7, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Pennsylvania Department
of Energy Press Releases:</u><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21874&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Reaches
Agreement with Columbia Gas Transmission for Erosion and Sedimentation
Violations in Greene County</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (October 7, 2020)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21873&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Awards $4.9
Million in Nonpoint Source Management Grants to 23 Watershed Restoration
Projects Statewide </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(October
7, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>U.S. Department of
Energy Press Releases:</u><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-energy-incubator-prize-selections"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of
Energy Announces Energy Incubator Prize Selections</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (October 7, 2020)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-issues-report-benefits-us-oil-and-natural-gas-providing-energy-security"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of
Energy Issues Report on Benefits of U.S. Oil and Natural Gas: Providing Energy
Security and Supporting Our Quality of Life</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (October 7, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Press Releases:<br /></b></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/pennsylvania-epa-proposes-reduce-regulatory-burden-and-air-pollutant-emissions-large"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Pennsylvania, EPA Proposes to Reduce Regulatory Burden and Air Pollutant
Emissions from Large Storage Tanks</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (October 7, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</u><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1297"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 1297</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004
(P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act” <i>Referred
to Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(October 5, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1173"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 1173</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of January 8, 1960
(1959 P.L.2119, No.787), known as the Air Pollution Control Act, further
providing for advice to department.” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources and
Energy </i>(October 7, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Land Management
Bureau:<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/05/2020-21970/notice-of-public-meeting-resource-advisory-council-subcommittee-on-public-lands-alaska"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 62757</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Notice of Public Meeting: Resource Advisory
Council Subcommittee on Public Lands, Alaska” <i>Notice of public meeting </i>(October
5, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/05/2020-21926/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-columbia-gulf-transmission-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 62798</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit;
Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC” <i>Notice of special permit </i>(October 5,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Executive Office of the
President<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/05/2020-22064/addressing-the-threat-to-the-domestic-supply-chain-from-reliance-on-critical-minerals-from-foreign"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 62539</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply
Chain From Reliance on Critical Minerals From Foreign Adversaries and
Supporting the Domestic Mining and Processing Industries” <i>Presidential
Document </i>(October 5, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/08/2020-22511/authorizing-express-pipeline-llc-to-operate-and-maintain-existing-pipeline-facilities-at-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63981</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Authorizing Express Pipeline, LLC, To Operate
and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at the International Boundary Between
the United States and Canada” <i>Presidential document </i>(October 8,
2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/08/2020-22521/authorizing-front-range-pipeline-llc-to-operate-and-maintain-existing-pipeline-facilities-at-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63985</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Authorizing Front Range Pipeline, LLC, To
Operate and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at the International Boundary
Between the United States and Canada” <i>Presidential document </i>(October 8,
2020).<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/08/2020-22526/authorizing-nustar-logistics-lp-to-operate-and-maintain-existing-pipeline-facilities-at-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63989</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Authorizing NuStar Logistics, L.P., To Operate
and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at the International Boundary Between
the United States and Mexico” <i>Presidential document </i>(October 8,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/06/2020-22035/iroquois-gas-transmission-system-lp-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63108</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.; Notice
of Availability of The Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Enhancement by
Compression Project” <i>Notice </i>(October 6, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/06/2020-22033/columbia-gulf-transmission-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-mainline-300"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63111</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC; Notice of
Schedule for Environmental Review of the Mainline 300 Replacement Project” <i>Notice
</i>(October 6, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/06/2020-22034/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-northern-lights-2021"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63107</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of
Schedule for Environmental Review of the Northern Lights 2021 Expansion
Project” <i>Notice </i>(October 6, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/07/2020-22163/stingray-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-application"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63267</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C; Notice of
Application” <i>Notice </i>(October 7, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/07/2020-22165/stingray-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-application"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63267</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of
Application” <i>Notice </i>(October 7, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/07/2020-22159/tuscarora-gas-transmission-company-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-tuscarora"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63269</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company; Notice of
Schedule for Environmental Review of the Tuscarora Xpress Project” <i>Notice </i>(October
7, 2020). <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/08/2020-22296/ugi-lng-inc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63547</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “UGI LNG, Inc; Notice of Request for Extension
of Time” <i>Notice </i>(October 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Safety Environmental
Enforcement Bureau<br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/08/2020-22346/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-the-office-of-management-and-budget-for"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63574</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Agency Information Collection Activities;
Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Oil
and Gas Drilling Operations” <i>Notice of information collection; request for
comment </i>(October 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Environmental Protection
Agency</u><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/07/2020-18824/test-methods-and-performance-specifications-for-air-emission-sources"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 63394</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Test Methods and Performance Specifications
for Air Emission Sources” <i>Final Rule </i>(October 7, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions:</u><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8543?s=1&r=4"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8543</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “To require the Secretary of Energy to
establish a program to provide grants to improve power lines.” <i>Referred to
House Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(October 6, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a></span><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mountains-climate-climate-change-environment-archive-8e6333b4d748ad99ab8a5747841625b7?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=96678796&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9OIPvwSae4Dn8Mtk6dRLqWT9S38yLt5R5iVkTozQ6OzISu-fhWLX2ghST_YBQq0tmRSI4h7ZP55KeMwzZ7L42_qUcTQ&utm_content=96678796&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Digital
Platform To Help With Tracking Oil, Gas Emissions</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” AP News<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenrwald/2020/10/02/oil-prices-are-waiting-to-rise-but-stimulus-will-not-be-the-cure/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=96678796&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8B28hmBJkz39-4k1rcPR6NG4q-bBZrfLph5OYFYo9thDzATZWOw54r5R99B5IjUHfONpOURTaRAhzJAidSInfDIMutJA&utm_content=96678796&utm_source=hs_email#51c365b96aea"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil Prices Are
Waiting To Rise, But Stimulus Will Not Be The Cure</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Forbes<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/construction-to-start-on-dakota-access-pipeline-pump-station-in-emmons-county/article_3214b187-9e0f-50ac-843c-b53b9a916389.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Construction To
Start On Dakota Access Pipeline Pump Station In Emmons County</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” The Bismark Tribune<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/519458-battleground-voters-are-pragmatic-on-energy?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=e5abbb48bb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_06_01_42&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-e5abbb48bb-238321227"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Battleground
Voters Are Pragmatic On Energy</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” The Hill <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.utilitydive.com/news/colorado-roadmap-targets-80-ghg-reduction-from-power-sector-by-2030-but-s/586273/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colorado
Roadmap Targets 80% Ghg Reduction From Power Sector By 2030, But Some See
Greater Possibilities</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Utility Drive </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-37088106924943133552020-10-06T13:49:00.004-04:002020-10-06T14:09:33.615-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review—October 6, 2020<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3b2c8041-7fff-9abb-4f6d-d518f5a46442"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Written by: <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jackie Schweichler – Staff Attorney<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sarah Straub – Research Assistant <br /></span><i>The following information is an update of recent local, state, national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas. </i><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></div><p><b>Pipelines: Mountain Valley Pipeline Receives Permits to Move Project Forward<br /></b>On September 25, 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">letter</a> to the Mountain Valley Pipeline Project reissuing Nationwide Permit 12 Verifications (NWP 12). This permits dredge and fill activities in navigational waters in Virginia and West Virginia and is a step towards the pipeline being completed. Also on this same date, a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement</a> prepared by the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">U.S. Forest Service</a> was issued evaluating the effects of the pipeline’s construction on federal lands in Jefferson National Forest. The draft SEIS is available for comment until November 9. In response to the NWP 12 Verifications, Appalachia Valley Advocates wrote a<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"> letter </a>to the U.S. Department of Justice requesting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision be stayed until a court can review the decision. On September 28, 2020, environmental groups initiated a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">lawsuit </a>against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeking judicial review of its re-issuance of the NWP 12 Verifications to Mountain Valley Pipeline.</p><div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Air Quality: Colorado State Agency Approves Rule on Oil and Gas Emissions </span><br /><span>On September 23, 2020, the </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Colorado Air Quality Control Commission</a><span> voted to approve a rule which is intended to limit emissions in oil and gas production. The rule will impose more stringent emissions tracking requirements, including monitoring emissions more frequently and tracking emissions from the time construction of the well begins through the first six months of the well’s production. The rulemaking is a result of Colorado legislation, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Senate Bill 19-181</a><span>, which modified the state’s laws on oil and gas regulation to prioritize both the environment and the public’s health, safety and welfare. </span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b>Air Quality: EPA Modifies Rule to Allow Reclassifying of Major Sources</b></span><br /></span><span>On October 1, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized modifications to a 1995 </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">rule</a><span> promulgated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act known as “Once In, Always In.” The rule, summarized in EPA’s </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Fact Sheet</a><span>, will allow major sources of hazardous pollutants that have reduced the amount of emissions they produce to be reclassified to area source status. Previously, under the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants General Provisions, major sources, once classified as a major source, could not be reclassified. This rule amends that policy to permit major sources achieving emissions standards the flexibility to be recategorized. EPA said in its </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">news release</a><span> that the changes in the rule “will encourage facilities to pursue innovations in pollution-reduction technologies and relieve regulatory requirements intended for much larger emitters.” </span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b><i>From the National Oil & Gas Law Experts: </i></b></span><br /></span>Charles Sartain, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><i>My Operator is Making Money on the Well and I’m Not. What Can I Do? Part 1.</i></a>, (October 1, 2020)<br />John McFarland, <i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Consent-to-assign Provisions in Oil and Gas Leases – Mayo Foundation v. BP America</a>,</i> (September 28, 2020) <br />John McFarland, <i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">An Update: Dinosaur Fossils as “Minerals”</a>,</i> (October 2, 2020)</div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">State Actions - Executive/Legislative<br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pennsylvania Legislature:<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">HR 1018</a> “A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2020 as "Energy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.” INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35 (September 25, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">HB 2002</a> “An Act repealing the act of May 11, 1921 (P.L.479, No.225), entitled "An act imposing a State tax on anthracite coal; providing for the assessment and collection thereof; and providing penalties for the violation of this act.” Laid on the table, (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">HB 2795</a> “An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for science curriculum to include climate change.” Re-reported as committed from Education. (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">SB 745</a> “ An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for prohibition on expenditures for emission inspection program.” Laid on the table, (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">HB 1106</a> “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, providing for environmental permits and plan approvals; making related repeals; and abrogating regulations.” Removed from table, (October 1, 2020). <br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Federal Actions - Executive/Legislative<br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Federal Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices:<br /></span>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 60779</a> “Midship Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order” Notice (September 28, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61743</a> “ANR Pipeline Company, Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC, Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order” Notice (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61745</a> “Rover Pipeline LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order” Notice (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61948</a> “Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Initiation of Section 5 Proceeding” Notice (October 1, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61945</a> “Total Peaking Services, LLC; Notice of Request for Extension of Time” Notice (October 1, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61946</a> “Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization” Notice (October 1, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 62297</a> “Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization” Notice (October 2, 2020). <br /><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Energy Department<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 60986</a> “Freeport LNG Expansion, L.P.; FLNG Liquefaction, LLC; FLNG Liquefaction 2, LLC; and FLNG Liquefaction 3, LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorizations” Notice of application (September 29, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61944</a> “Port Arthur LNG, LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” Notice of application (October 1, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61942</a> “Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC; Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorizations” Notice of application (October 1, 2020). </div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">85 FR 61101</a><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink: none;"> “Pipeline Safety: Inside Meters and Regulators” Notice; issuance of advisory bulletin (September 29, 2020). </span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61097</a> “Pipeline Safety: Overpressure Protection on Low-Pressure Natural Gas Distribution Systems” Notice; issuance of advisory bulletin (September 29, 2020). <br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Interior Department<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 61966</a> “Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group; Final Phase 2 Restoration Plan #1.2 and Environmental Assessment: Barataria Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Project, Spanish Pass Increment and Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project Increment One; and Finding of No Significant Impact” Notice (October 1, 2020). <br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Offices of Natural Resources Revenue <br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">85 FR 62016</a> “Consolidated Federal Oil and Gas and Federal and Indian Coal Valuation Reform” Final Rule (October 1, 2020). <br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Presidential Documents<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">85 FR 62191</a><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink: none;"> “Authorizing the Alaska to Alberta Railway Development Corporation To Construct, Connect, Operate, and Maintain Railway Facilities at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada” Presidential document (October 2, 2020)</span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; white-space: pre;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; white-space: pre;"><b><u>House Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:</u></b></span><br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">H.R. 8487</a> “To prevent energy poverty in at-risk communities, and for other purposes” “Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, the Budget, and Rules.” (October 1, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">H.R. 362</a> “Energy Emergency Leadership Act” “Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources” (September 30, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">H.R. 8432</a> “To require the establishment of an advanced energy technology research initiative and an advanced energy technology and modeling grant program, and for other purposes” “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology” (September 29, 2020). </div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee:<br /></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">PM 59</a><span> “Presidential Message - A message from the President of the United States, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the issuance of an Executive Order declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat posed by our Nation's undue reliance on critical minerals, in processed or unprocessed form, from foreign adversaries; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resource” Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (September 30, 2020). </span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><b><i>Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</i></b></span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">@AgShaleLaw</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span>“<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">U.S. Weekly Lng Exports Edge Down</a>” LNG World News<br />“<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Pennsylvania Lawmakers, Industry Officials Optimistic About New Natural Gas Tax Credit Legislation</a>” The Center Square<br />“<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Mountain Valley Seeks To Resume Construction Of Pipeline</a>” The Roanoke Times<br />“<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Colorado Poised To Take Another Major Step In Regulating Oil, Gas Industry — This Time On Well Setbacks</a>” Loveland Reporter-Herald</div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><b>Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"> Shale Law Podcast!</a> We can always be found on our Libsyn page, iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-37153898591091642002020-09-30T09:59:00.003-04:002020-09-30T10:03:06.213-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - September 30, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>State Regulation: North
Dakota’s Industrial Commission Amends Gas Capture Guidance Policy <br /></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 22, 2020,
the Industrial Commission of North Dakota </span><a href="http://www.nd.gov/ndic/ic-press/news-GasCapturerevisions-200922.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">approved revisions</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> made to the </span><a href="https://www.dmr.nd.gov/oilgas/or24665.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gas Capture Guidance Policy</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which regulates gas capture in the Bakken region’s oil fields.
The Gas Capture Guidance policy states two goals: reducing the amount of flared
gas while increasing the amount of captured gas and creating incentives for
investments to be made towards infrastructure which captures gas. Through the
policy, the Commission set a goal of increasing gas capture from 88% to 91% by
November 1st of this year. The revisions also amend the definition of stranded
gas to include spacing units which have not had drilling activity within them
in the past five years to encourage development in those areas. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Infrastructure:
Environmental Groups Petition Court for Review of Alaska LNG Project <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 21, 2020,
several environmental groups filed a </span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/assets/2020/09/22/document_ew_02.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">petition for review</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the Alaska LNG Project (Project) in the
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The
environmental groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club,
initially </span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/assets/2020/09/22/document_ew_03.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">petitioned</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC) for rehearing on
June 22, 2020. (Docket No. CP17-178-000). In the petition, the environmental
groups argue that the Project is not in the public interest, and approval
violates the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure
Act. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/09/25/lessons-from-an-operating-agreement-dispute/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lessons from an Operating Agreement Dispute</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 25, 2020) <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/eia-data-on-us-energy-flow-2019/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EIA Data on US Energy Flow 2019</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 23, 2020) <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/09/22/the-law-of-enhanced-weathering-for-co2-removal-a-new-sabin-center-white-paper/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Law Of Enhanced Weathering For Co2
Removal: A New Sabin Center White Paper</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 22, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection:</u><b> <br /></b></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21868&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Completes Review, Approves Permit
Modification Requests for Mariner East 2 in Delaware and Chester Counties</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 22, 2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21867&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Collects $736,000 from TransCo for
Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Violations</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 22, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</u> <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1173"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 1173</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of January 8, 1960 (1959 P.L.2119,
No.787), known as the Air Pollution Control Act, further providing for advice
to department.” <i>Re-referred to Appropriations </i>(September 21,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1305"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 1305</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213),
known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, providing for location
of Tier II sources.” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(September
21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2025"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2025</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>Veto
No. 12 </i>(September 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Environmental
Resources and Energy</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?CteeBody=H&Code=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Voting meeting</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on September 30, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. on HB 707,
HB 2002, HB 2197 and any other business that may come before the committee. <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?CteeBody=H&Code=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Informational meeting</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> September 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on spill
reporting requirements under the Clean Streams Law and SB 619.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Federal Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:</u><br /></span></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/21/2020-20743/notice-of-orders-issued-under-section-3-of-the-natural-gas-act-during-august-2020"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59299</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Orders Issued Under Section 3 of The Natural Gas Act
During August 2020” <i>Notice </i>(September 21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/21/2020-20744/freeport-lng-expansion-lp-and-flng-liquefaction-4-llc-application-to-amend-export-term-through"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59297</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Freeport LNG Expansion, L.P. and FLNG Liquefaction 4, LLC;
Application To Amend Export Term Through December 31, 2050, for Existing
Non-Free Trade Agreement Authorization” <i>Notice </i>(September 21,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/21/2020-20754/delaware-river-partners-llc-notice-of-petition-for-declaratory-order"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59302</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Delaware River Partners LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory
Order” <i>Notice </i>(September 21, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/23/2020-20986/northern-natural-gas-company-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the-proposed"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59779</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the
Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Clifton to Palmyra A-Line Abandonment
Project” <i>Notice </i>(September 23, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/23/2020-20984/rockies-express-pipeline-llc-notice-of-petition-for-declaratory-order"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59778</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Rockies Express Pipeline LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory
Order” <i>Notice </i>(September 23, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/24/2020-21106/magnolia-lng-llc-kinder-morgan-louisiana-pipeline-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60153</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Magnolia LNG, LLC; Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline LLC; Notice
of Request for Extension of Time” <i>Notice </i>(September 24, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/24/2020-21108/pacific-gas-and-electric-company-notice-of-application-tendered-for-filing-with-the-commission-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60155</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Notice of Application Tendered
for Filing With the Commission and Soliciting Additional Study Requests and
Establishing Procedural Schedule for Relicensing and Deadline for Submission of
Final Amendments” <i>Notice </i>(September 24, 2020). <br /><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/24/2020-21105/notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-columbia-gas-transmission-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60154</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization; Columbia Gas
Transmission, LLC” <i>Notice </i>(September 24, 2020). <br /></span></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/25/2020-21201/notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization-northwest-pipeline-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60454</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization; Northwest
Pipeline LLC” <i>Notice </i>(September 25, 2020). <br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Interior
Department</u> <br /></span></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/23/2020-20955/notice-of-teleconference-meeting-of-the-exxon-valdez-oil-spill-public-advisory-committee"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 59821</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Teleconference Meeting of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Public Advisory Committee” <i>Meeting notice </i>(September 23, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Environmental Protection
Agency</u> <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/24/2020-21042/notice-of-final-approval-for-an-alternative-means-of-emission-limitation"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60157</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Final Approval for an Alternative Means of Emission
Limitation” <i>Notice; final approval </i>(September 24, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Ocean Energy Management
Bureau</u> <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/24/2020-21099/notice-on-outer-continental-shelf-oil-and-gas-lease-sales"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 60266</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice on Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales” <i>Notice
</i>(September 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions: </u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4447?s=1&r=10"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 4447</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <u>Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019</u> “This
bill requires the Department of Energy to award grants to assist rural electric
cooperatives with identifying, evaluating, designing, and demonstrating energy
storage and microgrid projects that utilize energy from renewable energy
sources.” <i>“The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation,
and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming
corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4447” </i>(September 24, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee:</u> <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4727?s=1&r=2"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 4727</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to require the establishment of an advanced energy
technology research initiative and an advanced energy technology and modeling
grant program, and for other purposes.” “<i>Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources” </i>(September 24, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4725?s=1&r=3"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 4725</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to establish programs to facilitate the commercial
application of clean energy and related technologies in the United States.” “<i>Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources</i>”
(September 24, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4642?s=1&r=10"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 4642</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to ensure sufficient
bonding and complete and timely reclamation of land and water disturbed by
Federal and Indian oil and gas production, and for other purposes” “<i>Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources</i>”
(September 22, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4641?s=1&r=11"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 4641</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to provide for
transparency and landowner protections in the conduct of lease sales under that
Act, and for other purposes” “<i>Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources</i>” (September 22, 2020). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://roanoke.com/business/local/mountain-valley-seeks-to-resume-construction-of-pipeline/article_079f6eca-322d-5db4-889c-00de06493a90.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mountain Valley Seeks to Resume Construction
Of Pipeline</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Roanoke
Times <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/19/colorado-industry-opposes-oil-gas-rules/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colorado Oil, Gas Industry Ramps Up Opposition
To Bigger Buffers for Fracking Sites</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Denver Times <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.ogj.com/refining-processing/refining/article/14183951/refiners-shifting-toward-renewable-diesel?utm_source=OGJ+Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200923043&o_eid=8765D1142945E2S&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C8765D1142945E2S&oly_enc_id=8765D1142945E2S"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refiners Shifting Toward Renewable Diesel</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Oil and Gas Journal <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.offshore-energy.biz/u-s-weekly-lng-exports-almost-double/?utm_source=lngworldnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_2020-09-22"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Weekly LNG Exports Almost Double</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” LNG World News <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2020/09/21/plugging-abandoned-wells-the-green-new-deal-jobs-plan-republicans-and-democrats-love/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=95767748&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8U6akeM7JqKUkdMWMeSlU8UmlBgPzYks1KE3IzfWx1iK0MXWFUzbwokVW0g7Aj9Z4sigaojIFYcetUAixgDZuohybO4Q&utm_content=95767748&utm_source=hs_email#2b79eb212e10"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Plugging Abandoned Oil Wells Is One ‘Green New
Deal’ Aspect Loved By Both Republicans And Democrats</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Forbes</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-74318226524200730582020-09-25T19:39:00.000-04:002020-09-25T19:40:01.457-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - September 25, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Audry Thompson –
Research Assistant</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Court Orders Additional
Briefing on Continued Operation of Dakota Access Pipeline <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 11, 2020, U.S.
District Court for the District of Columbia issued an </span><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/09/14/document_ew_02.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> requesting additional briefing to be submitted to it in <i>Standing
Rock Sioux Tribe</i> <i>v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. </i>(Case Number
16-1534 (JEB)). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parties’ additional
briefs will assist the court in determining whether it should issue an
injunction preventing the Dakota Access pipeline, spanning 1,272 miles, from
operating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the order, the district
court denied the U.S. Army Corps’ request to pause the litigation while the
Corps decides whether to allow the pipeline to continue operating, a decision
expected to be made by the agency in mid-October. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dakota Access Pipeline was previously
enjoined from operating by an </span><a href="https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2016cv1534-546"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">injunction</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> issued by the court on July 6, 2020. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That injunction was </span><a href="https://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/dc-cir-decision.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stayed</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit because the appeals
court determined that the lower court had not made the findings required to
empty the oil from the pipeline and shut it down. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Sunoco
Ordered to Reroute Portion of Mariner East II Pipeline Following Spill <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 11, 2020,
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an </span><a href="http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PA%20Pipeline%20Portal/MarinerEastII/September_2020_AO_(09_11_2020%20001).pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">administrative order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> directing Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. to reroute a
portion of the Mariner East II pipeline under construction in Chester County,
Pennsylvania. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The order follows the
Department’s </span><a href="https://www.radio.com/kywnewsradio/articles/news/dep-notifies-sunoco-of-violation-on-mariner-east-ii-pipeline"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice of Violation</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> issued to Sunoco after 8,000 gallons of
drilling fluid, considered an industrial waste product, was released near
wetlands by Marsh Creek Lake. Sunoco was directed to utilize an alternative
route about a mile north of the current construction site and has thirty days
to appeal the Department’s order. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GHG Emissions:
Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board Approves Draft Rule Limiting Carbon
Emissions to Address Climate Change <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 15, 2020,
the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board voted to approve a </span><a href="http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/2020/September%2015/03-7-559-CO2%20Budget%20Trading-Proposed_Preamble%20.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">draft rulemaking</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which would limit carbon emitted from power
plants in the Commonwealth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
regulation comes in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s </span><a href="https://www.oa.pa.gov/Policies/eo/Documents/2019-07.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (2019-07) directing the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection to promulgate rules to reduce carbon emissions from
power plants powered by fossil fuels and be compatible with other Northeastern
states’ regulations in order to allow participation in the Regional Greenhouse
Gas Initiative (RGGI). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The RGGI is
currently comprised of 10 states using a market-based cap-and-trade system to
reduce emissions which contribute to climate change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comment period for the proposed rule ends
November 30, 2020.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methane Emissions: Court
Halts Implementation of Rule Modifying Emissions Standards <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 15, 2020,
the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an </span><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/09/17/document_gw_05.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">administrative stay</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> effectively halting regulatory actions that
would modify emissions standards applicable to oil and natural gas producers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The order was issued to allow the court to
consider the merits of the motion and the </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-09/documents/20-1359_docketentry_09-14-2020_.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Petition for Review</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> filed on September 14, 2020 (Docket Number
20-1359, consolidated with 20-1357). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
petition challenges the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule published
at 85 Fed. Reg. 57,081 (Sept. 14, 2020), </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/14/2020-18114/oil-and-natural-gas-sector-emission-standards-for-new-reconstructed-and-modified-sources-review"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards
for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which was to become effective on September 14,
2020. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biofuels: EPA Denies Sixty-Eight
Small Refinery Exemptions to Renewable Fuel Standard <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On September 14, 2020,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-takes-action-protect-integrity-renewable-fuel-standard-program-support-american-1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">announced</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> its </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-09/documents/rfs-denial-small-refinery-gap-filling-petitions-2020-09-14.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">denial</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of sixty-eight pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions
requesting relief from Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending compliance for
2011–2018. The EPA decision follows the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals’
January 24, 2020, ruling in </span><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca10/18-9533/18-9533-2020-01-24.html"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Renewable Fuels Assn. v. EPA</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, holding that EPA’s grant of economic hardship
exemptions, rather than statutory-authorized extensions, exceeded EPA’s legal
authority. Refiners filed sixty-eight petitions seeking, in various ways,
to backfill their previous history of exemptions with new EPA grants of
retroactive extensions. Noting that several of the petitions alleging
hardship date back to 2011, EPA stated that “it seems unlikely that Congress
contemplated or intended to allow a small refinery to obtain hardship relief
through submitting a petition in calendar year 2020 for RFS compliance year
2011.” <br />See also “Court of Appeals Invalidates EPA Grant of Renewable Fuel
Standard Waivers,” </span><a href="http://www.pennstateaglaw.com/search?q=%22Renewable+Fuels+Association%22"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agricultural Law Weekly Review—January 30,
2020</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “Court of Appeals
Denies Request for Rehearing on Renewable Fuel Standard Exemptions,” </span><a href="http://www.pennstateshalelaw.com/2020/04/shale-law-weekly-review-april-14-2020.html"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Weekly Review—April 14, 2020</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/09/15/how-will-the-texas-railroad-commission-address-gas-flaring/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How Will the Texas Railroad Commission Address
Gas Flaring?</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 15, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stephen Boone, Niki
Roberts, and Katherine Raymond, </span><a href="https://www.akingump.com/a/web/knqgFrLAMxxcfTExdxzQeb/ST8GV/landman-magazine-article-september-2020.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Silica Sand Mining</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (September 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael Burger and
Hillary Aidun, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/09/15/pipeline-decisions-do-not-spell-doom-for-transmission/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline Decisions Do Not Spell Doom For
Transmission </span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 15,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21864&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP releases 2019 Oil and Gas Annual Report</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 14, 2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21865&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Quality Board Approves Proposed
Climate Change Regulation</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
(September 15, 2020) <br /></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>U.S. Department of
Energy:</u> <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-24-million-commercial-scaling-battery-and-methane-detection-technologies"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DOE Announces $24 Million for Commercial
Scaling of Battery and Methane Detection Technologies</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 16, 2020) <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency:<br /></b></span></u></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-first-ever-rule-promote-transparency-developing-regulatory-guidance"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA finalizes first ever rule to promote
transparency in developing regulatory guidance documents</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 14, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-takes-action-protect-integrity-renewable-fuel-standard-program-support-american-1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Takes Action to Protect Integrity of the
Renewable Fuel Standard Program, Support American Farmers</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, (September 14, 2020)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2025"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2025</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>Presented
to the Governor </i>(September 16, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Federal Executive Agencies—Actions
and Notices:</u><br /></span></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/14/2020-18114/oil-and-natural-gas-sector-emission-standards-for-new-reconstructed-and-modified-sources-review"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 57018</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New,
Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review” <i>Final rule </i>(September 14,
2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-18115/oil-and-natural-gas-sector-emission-standards-for-new-reconstructed-and-modified-sources"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 57398</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New,
Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration” <i>Final rule </i>(September
15, 2020) <br /><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/14/2020-20170/commission-information-collections-activities-ferc-form-nos-2-and-2-a-comment-request-extension"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 56597</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Commission Information Collections Activities (Ferc Form Nos. 2
And 2-A); Comment Request; Extension; Errata Notice” <i>Errata notice for
information collections and request for comments</i> (September 14,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/14/2020-20169/north-baja-pipeline-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the-proposed"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 56598</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “North Baja Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Availability of the
Environmental Assessment for the Proposed North Baja Xpress Project” <i>Notice </i>(September
14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/14/2020-20168/penneast-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-petition-for-declaratory-order"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 56595</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Petition for
Declaratory Order” <i>Notice </i>(September 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-20238/transcontinental-gas-pipe-line-company-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 57204</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Request
for Extension of Time” <i>Notice </i>(September 15, 2020) <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/18/2020-20504/golden-pass-lng-terminal-llc-application-for-limited-amendment-to-long-term-authorization-to-export"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 58347</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC; Application for Limited Amendment
to Long-Term Authorization to Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade
Agreement Countries” <i>Notice of application </i>(September 18, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-17116/proposal-to-reissue-and-modify-nationwide-permits"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 57298</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Proposal To Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits” <i>Notice of
proposed rulemaking </i>(September 15, 2020). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Energy and
Commerce Committee Actions: <br /></span></u></b><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4447?s=1&r=28"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R. 4447</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <u>Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019</u> “This
bill requires the Department of Energy to award grants to assist rural electric
cooperatives with identifying, evaluating, designing, and demonstrating energy
storage and microgrid projects that utilize energy from renewable energy
sources.” <i>Placed on the Union calendar </i>(September 15, 2020). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee:<br /></b></span></u><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/180?s=1&r=22"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S. 180</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to streamline the oil and gas permitting process and to
recognize fee ownership for certain oil and gas drilling or spacing units, and
for other purposes.” “<i>Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee
on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held</i>” (September 16, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/09/14/natural-gas-production-in-pennsylvania-hits-record-high/?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=95458970&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8B8x8LwgKbDa30yltu2gk6jM9lN0BTHqNRwCZ3DaL0kfI8wVLEPtO5Wi_hvCkNo_JXV4Q2Aqg8OyBrP6qKj2EkMN1H6Q&utm_content=95458970&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural Gas Production In Pennsylvania Hits
Record High</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” State Impact
Pennsylvania <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/dakota-access-oil-pipe-likely-safe-from-shutdown-through-2020-1.1495112"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dakota Access Oil Pipe Likely Safe From
Shutdown Through 2020</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” BNN Bloomberg <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/friction_growing_within_opec-15-sep-2020-163301-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2020_09_16&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friction Growing Within OPEC+</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Bloomberg via Rigzone <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/As-pipeline-projects-cancel-future-falls-into-15567085.php"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Pipeline Projects Cancel, Future Falls Into
Question</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Houston
Chronicle <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=45096"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fossil Fuels Account For The Largest Share Of
U.S. Energy Production And Consumption</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” U.S. Energy Information Administration </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-49787894696397508912020-09-18T18:30:00.037-04:002020-09-22T08:13:33.854-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - September 18, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines / Wildlife
Habitat: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Issues New Report for Mountain Valley
Pipeline Project<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On September 4, 2020,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a </span><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/09/08/document_ew_03.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biological Opinion and Incidental Take
Statement</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> considering the
Mountain Valley Pipeline project’s impact on endangered and threatened species
and their habitats. This report, which
replaces the report the Service issued in 2017, examined impacts the
construction of the pipeline would have on five species: the Indiana bat and
Northern long eared bat; two species of fish, the Roanoke logperch and candy
darter; and a shrub, the Virginia spiraea. The Service determined that completing the
construction of the 304-mile pipeline, expected to impact approximately
6,951.71 acres of land, “is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence”
of the various species reviewed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: Lawsuit
Filed to Block Oil and Gas Leasing in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On September 9, 2020,
fifteen states filed a </span><a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/product/blaw/document/X1Q6O7M14B82?documentName=1.pdf&search32=MaMCNsRKmZ_tGbnUHytG_w==HzanSF6pXSrcc6gwuaNh40nCY3qM_ayyguFd8_lSp9grS4PSuE2W-WBKoyir-BPSFVZosjUFlEmgcFAQNdsZiIBMV91sf8DNDHqzd7KPLU92imodIEvdhoJmUG-ItIEq&fmt=pdf&bc=W1siRG9jdW1lbnQiLCIvcHJvZHVjdC9ibGF3L2RvY3VtZW50L1gxUTZPN00xNEI4Mj9kb2NfaWQ9WDFRNk83TTE0QjgyJmRvY190eXBlPURPQ0tFVFMmZW50cmllc190ZXh0PUJlcm5oYXJkdCZyZW1vdmVfanM9ZmFsc2UiXV0--77df86b37611e9b6964dbcc3633f38f81447b953"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">federal lawsuit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Alaska seeking to stop the development of oil and gas in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge. (Case 3:20-cv-00224-JMK). The Plaintiffs in <i>State
of Washington v. Bernhardt</i> allege that Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program
in the Arctic Refuge violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and
the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The
lawsuit seeks an injunction to enjoin implementing the Coastal Plain Oil and
Gas Leasing Program. The states argue that, without an injunction, the
states will suffer irreparable injury from environmental impacts such as
greater emissions of greenhouse gasses, extreme weather, coastline erosion, and
adverse effects on migratory birds. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil and Gas Leasing:
President Trump Signs Order Barring Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along
Florida’s Coastline Until 2032<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On September 8, 2020,
President Donald Trump signed an </span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-withdrawal-certain-areas-united-states-outer-continental-shelf-leasing-disposition/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> extending a ban on exploring, developing, or producing oil and gas
off the Atlantic coastline in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. (</span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-withdrawal-certain-areas-united-states-outer-continental-shelf-leasing-disposition/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Memorandum on the Withdrawal of Certain Areas
of the United States Outer Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">). Under
the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the order prevents
areas of the continental shelf to be leased for oil and gas purposes until June
30, 2032. The order does not affect the
areas from being leased for conservation purposes protecting the environment,
shores, beaches, wetlands, and habitats of wildlife. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Health: Delaware
Files Climate Change Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Organizations<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On September 10, 2020,
Attorney General of Delaware, Kathleen Jennings, filed a </span><a href="https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/09/2020-09-09-Final-Complaint.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">lawsuit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> on Delaware’s behalf against thirty-one fossil fuel organizations
seeking compensatory and punitive damages for damages the state claims it has
incurred as the result of climate change. (Case Number: N20C-09-097 AML
CCLD). The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Delaware, alleges four
state law claims including Negligent Failure to Warn, Trespass, Nuisance, and
violations of the Delaware Consumer Fraud Act. Delaware alleges that the fossil fuel
organizations knew that their activities had a negative impact on the
environment, yet they chose to conceal those effects from the public. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Judge Lifts
Temporary Restraining Order Allowing Pipeline to Resume Operations In Straits
of Mackinac<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On September 9, 2020,
Ingham County Circuit Court issued an order lifting the </span><a href="https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/Order_Granting_Motion_for_TRO_in_Nessel_v_Enbridge_Energy_et_al_19-474-CE_695012_7.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">temporary restraining order</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> from June 25, 2020, barring </span><a href="https://www.enbridge.com/media-center/news/details?id=123641&lang=en"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enbridge</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> from operating the east segment of its Line 5 pipeline running
under the Straits of Mackinac. On Friday, September 4, 2020, the U.S. Pipeline
and Hazardous Material Safety Administration stated in a letter that its review
of the previously damaged pipeline had not “identified any integrity issues”
which resulted in the agency having no objection to operations of the pipeline
resuming. Despite the reversal of the restraining order, litigation
remains </span><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/mich-enbridge.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pending</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> with Michigan seeking to shut down the pipeline permanently,
citing environmental and public safety concerns. (<i>Nessel v Enbridge Energy
LP, et al</i>., Case No. 19-474).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chris Baronzzi, Sean
Klammer, and Matt Ambrose, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawreport.com/2020/09/08/supreme-court-of-ohio-to-decide-three-cases-regarding-subsurface-rights-ambrose-klammer-and-baronzzi/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Supreme Court Of Ohio To Decide Three Cases
Regarding Subsurface Rights</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, (September 8, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agency Press Releases -
State/Federal </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Pennsylvania Department
of Energy Press Releases:</u><br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21863&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Orders Sunoco to Reroute Pipeline, Further
Assess, Investigate Chester County Marsh Creek Lake Spill, Restore Impacted
Resources</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, (September 11, 2020) <br /></span><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Press Releases</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>: <br /></b></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/george-e-warren-llc-and-gulf-oil-lp-settle-epa-over-alleged-violations-clean-air-act"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">George E Warren LLC and Gulf Oil LP Settle
with EPA Over Alleged Violations of the Clean Air Act</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, (September 11, 2020) <br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-administrator-talks-energy-dominance-environmental-progress-under-president-trump"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Administrator Talks Energy Dominance,
Environmental Progress Under President Trump on Fox Business</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, (September 9, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Executive
Agencies—Actions and Notices:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=679"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 679</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of November 26, 1978 (P.L.1375, No.325),
known as the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, further providing for
definitions; and providing for programs for removing obstructions and
flood-related hazards on streams.” <i>Removed from table </i>(September 8,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=763"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 763</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of April 27, 1966 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.31,
No.1), known as The Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act,
further providing for compilation and analysis of data.” <i>Removed from table </i>(September
8, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2025"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2025</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>Signed
in Senate </i>(September 9, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=258"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 258</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in service and facilities, providing for pipeline
emergency management information.” (Memo: </span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20190&cosponId=26948"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipeline Emergency Notification</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">) <i>Removed from table </i>(September 9,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=284"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 284</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of November 29, 2006 (P.L.1435, No.156),
known as the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure
Protection Act, further providing for definitions; providing for pipeline
operation and emergency response plans; and further providing for prohibition.”
<i>Removed from table </i>(September 9, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=950"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 950</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>Re-referred
to Appropriations </i>(September 9, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2855"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2855</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213),
known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for
definitions and for alternative energy portfolio standards, providing for solar
photovoltaic technology requirements, for contract requirements for solar
photovoltaic energy system sources, for renewable energy storage report, for
energy storage deployment targets and for contracts for solar photovoltaic
technologies by Commonwealth agencies and further providing for portfolio
requirements in other states; and making a related repeal.” <i>Referred to
Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(September 9, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2856"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2856</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “An Act establishing the CO2 Budget Trading Program; providing
for powers and duties of department; establishing the Energy Transition Fund;
providing for revenue from sale of carbon allowances; establishing the Energy
Transition Board; and providing for energy transition plan.” <i>Referred to
Environmental Resources and Energy </i>(September 9, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Actions -
Executive/Legislative</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Environmental Protection
Agency <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/11/2020-17345/west-virginia-final-approval-of-state-underground-storage-tank-program-revisions-codification-and"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 56172</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “West Virginia: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank
Program Revisions, Codification, and Incorporation by Reference” <i>Direct
final rule </i> (September 11, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">International Trade
Administration<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/11/2020-20072/certain-oil-country-tubular-goods-from-india-final-results-of-antidumping-duty-administrative-review"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 56213</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> “Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods From India: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Determination of No Shipments;
2018-2019” </span></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Notice </i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(September 11, 2020). <br /></span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/10/2020-19993/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-an-easement-to-cross-under-lake"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55843</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
for an Easement to Cross Under Lake Oahe, North Dakota for a Fuel-Carrying
Pipeline Right-Of-Way for a Portion of the Dakota Access Pipeline” <i>Notice of
intent </i> (September 10, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/10/2020-19999/trans-foreland-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55846</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Trans-Foreland Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Availability of
the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Kenai LNG Cool Down Project” <i>Notice
</i>(September 10, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/08/2020-19768/transcontinental-gas-pipe-line-company-llc-notice-of-request-under-blanket-authorization"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55444</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Request
Under Blanket Authorization” <i>Notice </i>(September 8, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fish and Wildlife
Service <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/10/2020-19934/draft-environmental-assessment-and-habitat-conservation-plan-for-the-endangered-american-burying"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55855</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Draft Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan for
the Endangered American Burying Beetle; City of Oklahoma City's Second Atoka
Pipeline Project, in Six Oklahoma Counties” <i>Notice of availability; request
for public comments </i>(September 10, 2020) Written comments must be received
or postmarked by October 13, 2020. <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bureau of Land
Management <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/10/2020-16393/oil-and-gas-site-security-oil-measurement-and-gas-measurement-regulations"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55940</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Oil and Gas Site Security, Oil Measurement, and Gas Measurement
Regulations” <i>Proposed Rule </i>(September 9, 2020) Comments on proposed rule
due on or before November 9, 2020. <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/08/2020-19758/notice-of-proposed-reinstatement-of-terminated-oil-and-gas-leases-wyw-178369-wyoming"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55474</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “ Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas
Leases WYW-178369, Wyoming” <i>Notice </i>(September 8, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ocean Energy Management
Bureau <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/10/2020-20029/outer-continental-shelf-ocs-alaska-region-ak-cook-inlet-planning-area-proposed-oil-and-gas-lease"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55861</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Alaska Region (AK), Cook Inlet
Planning Area, Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258” <i>Notice of intent to
prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and provide public scoping
opportunities </i>(September 10, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Department of Energy</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/09/2020-19920/alaska-lng-project-llc-final-opinion-and-order-granting-long-term-authorization-to-export-liquefied"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55672</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Alaska LNG Project LLC; Final Opinion and Order Granting
Long-Term Authorization to Export Liquefied Natural Gas To Non-Free Trade
Agreement Nations” <i>Record of decision </i>(September 9, 2020). <br /></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/09/2020-19889/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-tennessee-gas-pipeline-company-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55738</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit; Tennessee Gas
Pipeline Company, L.L.C.” <i>Notice </i>(September 9, 2020) Comments must be
submitted by October 9, 2020. <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/08/2020-19801/pipeline-safety-meeting-of-the-gas-pipeline-safety-advisory-committee"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55575</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Pipeline Safety: Meeting of the Gas Pipeline Safety Advisory
Committee” <i>Notice of advisory committee meeting</i> (September 8,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/08/2020-19794/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-columbia-gas-transmission-llc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55574</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit; Columbia Gas
Transmission, LLC” <i>Notice </i>(September 8, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/08/2020-19792/pipeline-safety-request-for-special-permit-great-lakes-gas-transmission-company"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55576</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit; Great Lakes Gas
Transmission Company” <i>Notice </i>(September 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks: <br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/09/10/stories/1063713347?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire&utm_campaign=edition%2BiZ%2B%2FftFV%2B2LxUfHtN5bxJQ%3D%3D"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Bill To Block RGGI Effort Faces Veto
Threat</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” E&E News;
Energywire <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/investment-giants-urge-texas-end-140000907.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Investment Giants Urge Texas to End Most
Natural Gas Flaring</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Bloomberg<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.ogj.com/pipelines-transportation/pipelines/article/14183123/enbridge-to-restart-line-5s-east-segment?utm_source=OGJ+Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200909071&o_eid=8765D1142945E2S&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C8765D1142945E2S&oly_enc_id=8765D1142945E2S"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enbridge to Restart Line 5’s East Segment</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Oil & Gas Journal <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Oil-and-gas-companies-track-methane-leaks-on-the-15536710.php?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=40154fcded-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_09_08_09_41&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-40154fcded-238321227"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil And Gas Companies Track Methane Leaks On
The Ground, In The Air And From Space</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Houston Chronicle <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-shale-permits-election-focus/u-s-shale-producers-race-for-federal-permits-ahead-of-presidential-election-idUSKBN25Z0KV"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Shale Producers Race For Federal Permits
Ahead Of Presidential Election</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Reuters </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-86038819583208858282020-09-11T17:46:00.002-04:002020-09-11T17:50:19.571-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - September 11, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Mountain
Valley Pipeline Requests Extension of Time to Complete Pipeline <br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 25, 2020,
Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC submitted an application to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an extension of time to complete the Mountain
Valley Pipeline Project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FERC published </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-19376/mountain-valley-pipeline-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">notice</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the application in the Federal Register at 85 FR 54553 on
September 2, 2020. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mountain Valley cited
various lawsuits and permitting issues as reasons for the delay in the
project’s progress. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mountain Valley has
requested that FERC extend the deadline for the project’s completion from
October 13, 2020, until October 13, 2022. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Pipelines: Petition for
Preliminary Injunction to Halt Permian Highway Pipeline Denied<br /></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 28, 2020, the
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued an </span><a href="https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/texas/txwdce/1:2020cv00460/1096259/44/0.pdf?ts=1598715939"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> denying Sierra Club’s Petition for Preliminary Injunction that
sought to enjoin construction at various points on the Permian Highway Pipeline.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sierra Club alleged in its </span><a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/blog/1-Complaint%20%281%29.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that construction of the Permian Highway Pipeline had been approved
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in violation of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court denied the petition finding that
Sierra Club failed to show that it faced immediate and irreparable harm, but
noted that it had “come close” because of the amount of evidence it produced
showing environmental harm. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: North Dakota
Public Service Commission Approves Two Pipeline Projects<br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 26, 2020, the
North Dakota Public Service Commission approved two separate pipeline projects.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission </span><a href="https://psc.nd.gov/database/documents/20-0247/039-060.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">approved</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> OE2 North, LLC’s construction application for two new pipelines
in Williams County, ND (PU-20-247). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
pipeline, spanning 1.28 miles, will transport LNG from the Bill Sanderson Gas
Plant to a connection point with a ONEOK pipeline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other pipeline will transport residue gas
along its 4.67-mile route. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Commission also </span><a href="https://psc.nd.gov/database/documents/20-0263/012-050.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">approved</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dakota Prairie Refining, LLC’s application to convert its
existing pipelines from transporting crude oil to liquid soy products and
renewable diesel fuel (PU-20-263). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Columbia Gas
of Ohio, Inc. Issued Certificate for Marysville Connector Pipeline Project<br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 27, 2020, the
Ohio Power Siting Board issued an </span><a href="http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/TiffToPDf/A1001001A20H27B50618D03105.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Order & Opinion</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> stating that Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. will be
granted a certificate to construct, operate, and maintain the Marysville
Connector Pipeline in Union County, Ohio. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Columbia submitted its </span><a href="http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/TiffToPDf/A1001001A19L20B15615D02722.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">application</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on December 20, 2019 for the certificate to construct the natural
gas line spanning 4.78 miles and providing natural gas to new industrial and
residential customers, in addition to existing customers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Construction on the pipeline is expected to
begin late next year and should begin providing service to customers by 2022. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Marysville Connector Pipeline is designed
to connect to the Columbus Northern Loop, whose </span><a href="http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?CaseNo=20-1236-GA-BTX&x=15&y=13"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">application</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is pending before the Ohio Power Siting Board. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain &
Rusty Tucker, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/09/02/lignite-lease-prevails-over-pipeline-easement/#more-13507"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lignite Lease Prevails Over Pipeline Easement</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 2, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Corpus Christi Court of Appeals Opines on Post-Production Costs</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (September 3, 2020). <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christine Weniger, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/09/01/what-could-new-york-states-proposed-environmental-rights-amendment-achieve/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What Could New York State’s Proposed
Environmental Rights Amendment Achieve?</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(September 1, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection Press Releases:<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21859&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Administration Announces $25 Million for
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation and Economic Development Projects</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (September 2, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21858&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Administration Announces $2 Million for
COVID PEDA Restart Grants</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(August 31, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Department of
Energy Press Releases: <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-invests-72-million-carbon-capture-technologies"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Invests $72 Million in
Carbon Capture Technologies</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(September 1, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Press Releases: <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/cheyenne-epa-announces-wyomings-primacy-class-vi-underground-injection-control-0"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Cheyenne, EPA Announces Wyoming’s Primacy
for Class VI Underground Injection Control Program, Highlights Final Power
Plant Effluent Limitation Guidelines Rule</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (September 4, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=247"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 247</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for well permits.” <i>Removed
from table </i>(September 1, 2020) (House) <br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=950"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 950</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>First
consideration </i>(September 3, 2020) (Senate)<br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2025"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2025</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to
conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a
measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions
by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions.” <i>First
consideration </i>(September 3, 2020) (House)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Environmental
Resources and Energy<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=H"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Informational meeting</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on September 16, 2020 in Room 60 of the East
Wing on recycling efforts in Pennsylvania as they apply to solar panels and HB
2197.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Federal
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: <br /></b></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/04/2020-19601/national-fuel-gas-supply-corporation-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55277</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation; Notice of Request for
Extension of Time” <i>Notice </i>(September 4, 2020) Comment period open for 15
days<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-19376/mountain-valley-pipeline-llc-notice-of-request-for-extension-of-time"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 54553</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Request for Extension
of Time” <i>Notice </i>(September 2, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/01/2020-19251/transcontinental-gas-pipe-line-company-llc-notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-assessment"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 54373</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Intent To
Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed VR-22 to Shore Abandonment
Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues” <i>Notice </i>(September
1, 2020) To ensure timely submission, submit comments by September 25,
2020. <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/01/2020-19250/tennessee-gas-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-east-300"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 54371</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Schedule for
Environmental Review of the East 300 Upgrade Project” <i>Notice </i>(September
1, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/31/2020-19102/golden-pass-lng-terminal-llc-notice-of-schedule-for-environmental-review-of-the-golden-pass"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 53807</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC; Notice of Schedule for
Environmental Review of The Golden Pass Amendment Project” <i>Notice </i>(August
31, 2020)<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/01/2020-19235/secretary-of-energy-advisory-board"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 54363</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Secretary Of Energy Advisory Board” <i>Notice of Renewal </i>(September
1, 2020)<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forest Service<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/01/2020-18518/oil-and-gas-resources"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 54311</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Oil and Gas Resources” <i>Proposed Rule </i>(September 1, 2020)
Comments must be received by November 2, 2020. <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Safety and Environmental
Enforcement Bureau<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/03/2020-19516/agency-information-collection-activities-pipelines-and-pipeline-rights-of-way-row"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55029</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Pipelines and Pipeline
Rights-of-Way (ROW)” <i>Notice of information collection; request for comment </i>(September
3, 2020) Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
November 2, 2020.<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bureau of Indian
Affairs, Interior<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/03/2020-19502/energy-and-mineral-development-program-emdp-solicitation-of-proposals"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 55021</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP); Solicitation of
Proposals” <i>Notice </i>(September 3, 2020) Applications will be accepted
until 5 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on December 2, 2020. <br /></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/8175?s=1&r=4"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HR 8175</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on
fossil fuels and to use the revenues for economic benefit” <i>Referred to
Committee on Energy and Commerce </i>(September 4, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Oil-and-gas-companies-track-methane-leaks-on-the-15536710.php"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Companies Work to Curb Oil, Gas Methane
Emissions</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Houston Chronicle<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.ogj.com/general-interest/government/article/14182511/army-corp-of-engineers-defends-dakota-access-permitting-in-appeals-court?utm_source=OGJ+Washington+Pulse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200901084&o_eid=8765D1142945E2S&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C8765D1142945E2S&oly_enc_id=8765D1142945E2S"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Army Corp Of Engineers Defends Dakota Access
Permitting</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Oil & Gas
Journal <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.ogj.com/general-interest/government/article/14182003/fifteen-attorneys-general-ask-court-to-find-lng-rail-regulations-unlawful?utm_source=OGJ+Washington+Pulse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS200901084&o_eid=8765D1142945E2S&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C8765D1142945E2S&oly_enc_id=8765D1142945E2S"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fifteen Attorneys General Ask Court To Find
LNG Rail Regulations Unlawful</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Oil & Gas Journal <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/514809-major-drilling-projects-among-dozens-fast-tracked-after-trump-order?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=32878"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Major Drilling Projects Among Dozens
Fast-tracked After Trump Order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Hill<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="http://shalegasreporter.com/news/pa-natural-gas-production-increases-2-8-q2/63519.html?omhide=true"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pa. Natural Gas Production Increases 2.8% in
Q2</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Shale Gas
Reporter </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on</span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which
details all our publications and activities from the week.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-50748790372488322572020-09-01T09:26:00.001-04:002020-09-01T09:29:13.253-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - September 1, 2020<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wildlife Habitat:
Federal Judge Modifies Order Vacating Leases Pending Appeal<br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 25, 2020, the
U.S. District Court in Montana entered an </span><a href="https://www-eenews-net.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/assets/2020/08/27/document_ew_01.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> staying vacatur of hundreds of oil and gas leases in sage grouse
territory in favor of suspending operations and production under the leases
pending appeal to the Ninth Circuit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lawsuit, </span><a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/product/blaw/document/X1Q6NVRCQI82?documentName=1.xml&bc=W1siRG9jdW1lbnQiLCIvcHJvZHVjdC9ibGF3L2RvY3VtZW50L1gxUTZOVlJDUUk4Mj9kb2NfaWQ9WDFRNk5WUkNRSTgyJmRvY190eXBlPURPQ0tFVFMmcmVtb3ZlX2pzPWZhbHNlIl1d--102d9b2a1ec2a6d34acd4ac464d8ec622a7eb8fb"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Montana Wildlife Federation v. Zinke, et al</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, challenges the federal government’s oil and
gas leasing practices on public lands which are alleged to be destructive to
the natural habitat of the sage grouse (4:18-cv-00069). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stay of operations and production ordered
by Chief District Judge Brian Morris will maintain the status quo, protecting
the parties’ interests and preventing any harm which may occur, until the Ninth
Circuit resolves the issues on appeal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>National Energy Policy:
North Carolina Brings Lawsuit Challenging Federal Decision to Allow Seismic
Testing for Oil and Gas<br /></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 26, 2020,
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein brought a lawsuit in federal court
challenging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
decision to overrule the state’s objections to the allowance of seismic testing
to be conducted on North Carolina’s coast. (<i>North Carolina v. Wilbur Ross,
et al., </i>No. 2:20-CV-00059). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In its </span><a href="https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-josh-stein-fights-against-offshore-drilling-in-nc/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">complaint</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, North Carolina alleged that the exploration for oil and gas
through seismic testing is not compatible with the state’s coastal management
plan created under the Coastal Zone Management Act, that it was improper under
the Administrative Procedure Act to overrule the state’s objection to the
exploration, and that the exploration poses significant threats to the aquatic
life found off the shores of North Carolina. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attorney General Stein has asked the Eastern
District of North Carolina to have the NOAA decision overruling North
Carolina’s objections set aside, preventing the proposed exploration process
from proceeding. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brigit Rollins, </span><a href="https://nationalaglawcenter.org/jumping-the-gun-government-says-nepa-challenges-are-premature/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jumping the Gun? Government Says NEPA
Challenges Are Premature</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 27, 2020)<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Saratain &
Rusty Tucker, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/08/26/company-man-wins-msa-dispute/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Company Man Wins MSA Dispute</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 26, 2020)<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scott Daniel Johnson, </span><a href="https://www.akingump.com/en/experience/industries/energy/speaking-energy/ferc-clarifies-new-requirements-for-certain-filings.html"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FERC Clarifies New Requirements for Certain
Filings</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 26, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pennsylvania Department
of Energy Press Releases:<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21857&typeid=1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Provides $5.1 Million in Volkswagen
Settlement Funding to Cleaner Fuel Transportation Projects for Healthier Air
Quality</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 27, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S.
Department of Energy</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-33-million-funding-carbon-neutral-hybrid-electric-aviation"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Announces $33 Million in
Funding for Carbon Neutral Hybrid Electric Aviation</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 26, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-issues-small-business-research-and-development-funding-opportunity-1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. Department of Energy Issues Small
Business Research and Development Funding Opportunity Announcement</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 24, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=S"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Hearing</span></a><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to discuss a proposed rulemaking: Water
Quality Standards for Manganese and Implementation (#7-553) on September 9,
2020 at 9:00 a.m. The hearing will be livestreamed from the Senate
Chamber. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Federal
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/24/2020-18457/agency-information-collection-activities-oil-spill-response-requirements-for-facilities-located"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 5217</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Oil-Spill Response
Requirements for Facilities Located Seaward of the Coastline” <i>Notice of
information collection; request for comment </i>(August 24, 2020) Interested
persons are invited to submit comments on or before October 23, 2020.<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/24/2020-18451/agency-information-collection-activities-operations-in-the-outer-continental-shelf-for-minerals"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52146</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Operations in the
Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur” <i>Notice
of information collection; request for comment </i>(August 24, 2020) Interested
persons are invited to submit comments on or before October 23, 2020.<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/24/2020-18455/agency-information-collection-activities-relief-or-reduction-in-royalty-rates"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52148</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Relief or Reduction in
Royalty Rates” <i>Notice of information collection; request for comment</i>
(August 24, 2020) Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or
before October 23, 2020.<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/24/2020-18449/agency-information-collection-activities-well-control-and-production-safety-training"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52144</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Agency Information Collection Activities; Well Control and
Production Safety Training” <i>Notice of Information Collection; request for
comment </i>(August 24, 2020) Interested persons are invited to submit comments
on or before October 23, 2020.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/25/2020-16836/extending-natural-gas-export-authorizations-to-non-free-trade-agreement-countries-through-the-year"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52237</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Extending Natural Gas Export Authorizations to Non-Free Trade
Agreement Countries Through the Year 2050” <i>Notice of final policy statement
and response to comments </i>(August 25, 2020).<br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/24/2020-18436/notice-of-request-for-information-rfi-on-fy-2021-bioenergy-technologies-office-multi-topics"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 52109</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Notice of Request for Information (RFI) on FY 2021 Bioenergy
Technologies Office Multi-Topics” <i>Request for information </i>(August 24,
2020) Responses to the RFI must be received by September 21, 2020.<br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/28/2020-16273/new-mexico-final-approval-of-state-underground-storage-tank-program-revisions-and-incorporation-by"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 53179</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “New Mexico: Final Approval of State Underground Storage Tank
Program Revisions and Incorporation by Reference” <i>Direct final rule </i>(August
28, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/28/2020-19001/information-collection-request-submitted-to-omb-for-review-and-approval-comment-request-the-national"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 53363</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval;
Comment Request; The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan Regulation, Subpart J (Renewal)” <i>Notice </i>(August 28,
2020). <br /></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/28/2020-18993/tennessee-gas-pipeline-company-llc-southern-natural-gas-company-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 53355</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC, Southern Natural Gas
Company, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the
Proposed Evangeline Pass Expansion Project” <i>Notice </i>(August 28, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-finance-lobbying-analysis/gas-and-nuclear-industries-fight-to-the-end-for-green-eu-investment-label-idUSKBN25L0GA"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gas and Nuclear Industries Fight to The End
For 'Green' EU Investment Label</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Reuters<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://apnews.com/3bf753f9036e7d88f4746b1a36c1ddc4"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thousands Allowed to Bypass Environmental
Rules in Pandemic</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” AP<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://www.axios.com/fossil-fuel-industry-job-losses-oil-c41dbe9c-9cc7-44a5-8279-faf2b1a0bf5f.html?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=93791033&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--UKblqw-3gJSuAQcsydmcLrAFx-kRLjuXcpUVtlbE-GnSOT3hmLAomSyAQD8fPUiVjfBmxTh507IGcrkWP_TB-7svIeQ&utm_content=93791033&utm_source=hs_email"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where U.S. Fossil Fuel Companies are Shedding
Jobs</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Axios<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26082020/exxon-mobil-dow-jones-industrial-wall-street-coronavirus-big-oil"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An Oil Giant’s Wall Street Fall: The World is
Sending the Industry Signals, but is Exxon Listening?</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Inside Climate News <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="https://roanoke.com/business/local/mountain-valley-asks-ferc-for-more-time-to-complete-pipeline/article_0d97cd9f-f8c2-508f-a3ff-30e357c10d0d.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=32675"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mountain Valley Asks FERC For More Time To
Complete Pipeline</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” The Roanoke
Times <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><a href="http://shalegasreporter.com/news/us-rig-count-increases-first-time-months/63513.html?omhide=true"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">US Rig Count Increases For First Time In
Months</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Shale Gas Reporter</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on</span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which
details all our publications and activities from the week.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-34574025607687767902020-08-25T12:58:00.009-04:002020-08-25T13:01:51.724-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - August 25, 2020<p><b><span face="">Written by: <br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah Straub – Research
Assistant <br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LNG Infrastructure:
Fourteen States Petition Court to Review Agency Rule Allowing LNG To Be
Transported by Rail<br /></span></b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 18, 2020,
fourteen states </span><a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/20200818%20LNG%20by%20Rail%20Petition%20for%20Review.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">petitioned</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to
review the </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/07/24/2020-13604/hazardous-materials-liquefied-natural-gas-by-rail"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">final rule</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHSMA), Department of Transportation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final rule allows for liquefied natural
gas (LNG) to be transported by rail tank car and is scheduled to take effect on
August 24, 2020. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The states allege that
the final rule is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and the National Environmental Policy
Act; and they ask the court to vacate the rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By </span><a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Comment%20and%20Appendix%20-%20LNG%20Trains.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">letter</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> dated January 13, 2020, many of the states that filed the lawsuit
wrote to the Deputy Administrator for PHSMA objecting to the final rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The states argue that the rule creates
potential for an increased risk of catastrophic accidents and the rule does not
take into account potential environmental and climate impacts of transporting
LNG by rail. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methane Emissions: EPA
Issues Two Final Rules Amending New Source Performance Standards for Oil and
Gas Industry<br /></span></b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 13, 2020,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epa-issues-final-policy-and-technical"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">announced</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> two final rules which amend New Source Performance Standards
(NSPS) for the oil and gas industry. As stated in a </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/og_actions.overview_fact_sheet._final.8.13.2020.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fact sheet</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> issued by EPA, the new rules are meant to benefit small oil and
gas producers and should save the industry $100 million a year for the next
nine years. The </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/frn_oil_and_gas_review_2060-at90_final_20200812_admin_web.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">first rule</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> titled, <i>Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for
New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review,</i> rescinds NSPS methane
requirements applicable to transmission, storage, production, and
processing. The first rule also establishes policy for Section III of the
Clean Air Act whenever EPA promulgates NSPS for air pollutants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EPA must find that the pollutant is a source
of dangerous air pollution prior to creating new NSPS. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/frn_og_reconsideration_2060-at54_final_rule_20200812_admin_web.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">second rule</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> titled, <i>Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for
New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration, </i>includes
amendments relating to fugitive emissions requirements, well site pneumatic
pump standards, certification of closed vent systems, and use of an alternative
means of emission limitation. (rule summary). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: District
Court Denies Motion to Dismiss North Dakota’s Lawsuit for Pipeline
Reimbursement <br /></span></b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 19, 2020, the U.S.
District Court for the District of North Dakota issued an </span><a href="https://aboutblaw.com/SGK"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">order</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> partially denying a motion from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (Corps) to dismiss a lawsuit brought by North Dakota for
damages relating to pipeline protests. North Dakota brought suit alleging
that the Corps enabled protestors and had a duty to prevent harm to persons and
private property during the demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>North Dakota is asking for $38 million in
damages. The court dismissed North Dakota’s Good Samaritan negligence
claim, but will allow the state’s claims for public nuisance, negligence, gross
negligence, and civil trespass to move forward. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil
& Gas Law Experts: <br /></span></i></b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Industry Custom Determines Who Pays for a Well Emergency</span></i></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 20, 2020)<br /></span><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">J. Porter Wiseman, </span><a href="https://www.akingump.com/en/experience/industries/energy/speaking-energy/senate-energy-natural-resources-committee-examines-cyberattack-readiness-of-the-us-bulk-power-system.html"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee
Examines Cyberattack Readiness of the US Bulk-Power System</span></i></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 18, 2020)<br /></span><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/the-global-energy-mix/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Global Energy Mix</span></i></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 18, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Pennsylvania Department
of Energy Press Releases:<br /></b></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21853&typeid=1"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Reaches Agreement with CNX to Address 2019
Well Control Incident at Shaw Well</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 20, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21854&typeid=1"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Assesses $355,000 Penalty to Sunoco for
2018, 2019 Mariner East 2 Violations</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 20, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21851&typeid=1"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Administration: Report Shows Clean Energy
Is a Leading Creator of Quality Jobs in Pennsylvania, Supports Development of
Job Investment Strategies to Benefit Workers, Economy, and Environment</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 17, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21852&typeid=1"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEP Local Climate Action Program Helps
Community Leaders Address Climate Change in 139 Municipalities </span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 17, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>U.S.
Department of Energy<br /></b></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-provide-21-million-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-research"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy to Provide $21 Million
for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research on Fusion Energy </span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 19, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-awards-135-million-direct-air-capture-research"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Awards $13.5 Million for
Direct Air Capture Research</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(August 18, 2020)<br /></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-37-million-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-doe"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Announces $37 Million for
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at DOE Scientific User Facilities</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 17, 2020)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Legislature:<br /></b></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2797"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2797</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176),
known as The Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, repealing
provisions relating to Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee; and making a related repeal.” </span><i><span face="" style="background: white; color: #404040; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Referred to Environmental
Resources and Energy </span></i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 18, 2020)
(House)</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Environmental
Resources and Energy <br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?CteeBody=H&Code=8"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Hearing </span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on Regional Greenhouse Gas on August 24, 2020 at
10:00 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=S"><span face="" style="background: white; color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public hearing </span></a><span face="" style="background: white; color: #404040; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to examine the economic and
employment impacts of Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse
Gas Initiative (RGGI) on August 25, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Federal
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: <br /></b></span><u><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Environmental Protection
Agency<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/18/2020-16375/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-pollution-contingency-plan-national-priorities-list-deletion"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 50786</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion of the Fairfax St. Wood Treaters
Superfund Site” <i>Rule </i>(August 18, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/20/2020-16271/control-of-air-pollution-from-airplanes-and-airplane-engines-ghg-emission-standards-and-test"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 51556</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Control of Air Pollution From Airplanes and Airplane Engines:
GHG Emission Standards and Test Procedures” <i>Proposed Rule </i>(August 20,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy</u><br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/19/2020-15967/energy-conservation-program-for-appliance-standards-procedures-for-evaluating-statutory-factors-for"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 50937</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Procedures
for Evaluating Statutory Factors for Use in New or Revised Energy Conservation
Standards” <i>Final Rule </i>(August 19, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><a href="https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2132834-new-lyrics-same-tune-for-us-shale-producers"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“New Lyrics, Same Tune For US Shale Producers”</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Argus Media<br /></span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Companies-offer-super-cool-solution-to-flaring-15479547.php"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Companies Offer Super-cool Solution to
Flaring Gas in The Permian”</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Houston Chronicle<br /></span><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/512555-14-states-sue-trump-administration-over-gas-transportation-rule?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=32448"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“14 States Sue Trump Administration Over Gas
Transportation Rule”</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Hill<br /></span><a href="http://shalegasreporter.com/news/mountain-valley-pipeline-completed-next-year/63498.html?omhide=true"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mountain Valley Pipeline to be Completed Next
Year”</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Shale Gas Reporter<br /></span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/how_would_a_2nd_lockdown_affect_oil_prices-19-aug-2020-163055-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2020_08_20&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F5"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How Would a 2nd Lockdown Affect Oil Prices?”</span></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Rigzone</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on</span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook!</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which
details all our publications and activities from the week.</span></b><span face="" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><span face="" style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="" style="line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-8295744941062419262020-08-19T10:24:00.005-04:002020-08-19T10:34:49.740-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - August 19, 2020<p><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by:<br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sara Jenkins – Research
Assistant <br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Atorney<br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kaela Gray – Research
Assistant</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Production and Operation:
Texas Railroad Commission Proposes Amendments to Application for Exception to
State Flaring Rule<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 4, 2020, the
Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) </span><a href="https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/oil-gas/announcements/rrc-accepting-comments-on-revisions-to-statewide-rule-32-exception-data-sheet/"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">announced</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> they will be accepting public comments on </span><a href="https://rrc.texas.gov/about-us/resource-center/forms/proposed-form-changes/"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">proposed</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> amendments to the application for exception to a state flaring
rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The RRC proposal would amend the
Statewide Rule 32 Exception Data Sheet </span><a href="https://rrc.texas.gov/media/59113/r32-data-sheet-proposed-for-posting-8-4-20.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Application</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> for Exception to Statewide Rule 32. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to RRC, the application is filed by
operators when requesting authority to flare or vent gas. The
amendments will require thorough documentation of flaring circumstances and
more information to ensure compliance with RRC regulations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RRC will be accepting public
comments through September 4, 2020. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Lands: Department
of Interior Issues Proposed Rule to Amend Oil and Gas Royalty Regulations for
Federal Leases<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 7, 2020, the
U.S. Department of Interior Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) issued a
</span><a href="https://www.onrr.gov/Laws_R_D/2020ProposedValRule.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">proposed rule</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to amend oil and gas royalty regulations for
Federal and Indian leases. (30 CFR Parts 1241 and 1206). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proposed rule titled, <i>ONRR 2020
Valuation Reform and Civil Penalty Rule,</i> would amend 2016 provisions which,
according to ONRR, are inconsistent with recent executive orders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proposed rule is expected to amend
regulations for valuing royalties, valuing coal, and assessing penalties for
violating statutes associated with Federal and Indian leases. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONRR is accepting public comments on the
proposed rule until 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Register</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Methane Emissions: EPA
Issues Final Amendments to Ease Compliance with Oil and Gas New Source
Performance Standards<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 13, 2020, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epa-issues-final-policy-and-technical"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">issued</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> two final rules amending policies and technical requirements to
ease compliance burdens associated with oil and gas New Source Performance
Standards (NSPS). (See 40 CFR Part 60). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
</span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/frn_oil_and_gas_review_2060-at90_final_20200812_admin_web.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">first rule</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> titled, <i>Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for
New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review</i> will rescind the NSPS
methane requirements applicable to transmission, storage, production, and
processing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/frn_og_reconsideration_2060-at54_final_rule_20200812_admin_web.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">second rule</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> titled, <i>Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for
New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration </i>includes
amendments relating to fugitive emissions requirements, well site pneumatic
pump standards, certification of closed vent systems, and use of an alternative
means of emission limitation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EPA also issued a </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-08/documents/og_actions.overview_fact_sheet._final.8.13.2020.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fact sheet</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, stating that the final rules will benefit small oil and natural
gas producers that make up a majority of the industry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: North
Carolina Denies Water Quality Certification for Mountain Valley Pipeline
Southgate Project <br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 11, 2020,
North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality </span><a href="https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/pipelines/2018-1638v3-MVP-Southgate---Rockingham-Alamance---Denial.pdf"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">denied</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a water quality certification for the Mountain Valley Pipeline
(MVP) Southgate project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Department’s Division of Water Resources denied the certification after
reviewing supporting materials and public comments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Division determined that the Southgate
project was dependent on the successful completion of the MVP Mainline Project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Division concluded that
pending litigation and suspension of needed permits for the Mainline project
presented a “critical risk” to achieving the purpose of the Southgate project.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Division cited concerns that
environmental impacts caused by the Southgate project’s construction would be “inconsistent
with principles of minimization” while the Mainline project’s completion
remains uncertain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil & Gas Law Experts:<br /></span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/08/13/when-is-a-gross-proceeds-royalty-not-paid-on-gross-proceeds/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When is a “Gross Proceeds” Royalty not Paid on
Gross Proceeds?</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 13,
2020). <br /></span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John McFarland, </span><a href="https://www.oilandgaslawyerblog.com/solar-energy-in-texas-and-the-chadbourne-ranch/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Solar Energy in Texas and the Chadbourne Ranch</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 14, 2020). <br /></span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romany Webb, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/08/14/epa-rescinds-methane-standards-for-oil-and-gas-facilities/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EPA Rescinds Methane Standards For Oil And Gas
Facilities</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 14,
2020).</span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Department of Energy Press Releases:</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21850&typeid=1"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Administration Outlines Actions Underway
in Wake of Pipeline Drilling Spill Affecting Marsh Creek State Park, Chester
County</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 13,
2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S.
Department of Energy</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-israel-energy-center-announces-funding-opportunity-energy-infrastructure-cybersecurity"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The U.S.-Israel Energy Center Announces
Funding Opportunity for Energy Infrastructure Cybersecurity Cooperation</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 14, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-epa-administrator-wheeler-talks-new-epa-rules-strengthen-promote-american-energy"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ICYMI: EPA Administrator Wheeler Talks New EPA
Rules to Strengthen, Promote American Energy on Varney & Co.</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-administrator-wheeler-delivers-president-trumps-administrations"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What They Are Saying: Administrator Wheeler
Delivers on President Trump’s Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen, Promote
American Energy in Pittsburgh</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 14, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/pittsburgh-administrator-wheeler-announces-final-air-regulations-oil-and-gas-removing"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Pittsburgh, Administrator Wheeler Announces
Final Air Regulations for Oil and Gas Removing Redundant Requirements,
Streamlining Implementation, and Reducing Burdens</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 13, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-33/1127.html"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 4218</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Availability of the Pennsylvania Energy
Development Authority Restart Grant” (August 15, 2020). <br /></span><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-33/1129.html"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 4220</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Wastewater Service” <i>Pennsylvania Public
Utility Commission</i> (August 15, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/y3wdqwx6"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2780</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
“An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in unconventional gas well fee, further providing for distribution of
fee” <i>Referred to Environmental Resources And Energy </i>(Aug. 13, 2020).<br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=15"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 15</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act establishing the CO2 Budget Trading Program; providing
for powers and duties of department; establishing the Energy Transition Fund;
providing for revenue from sale of carbon allowances; establishing the Energy
Transition Board; and providing for energy transition plan” <i>Referred to
Environmental Resources And Energy </i>(Aug. 11, 2020) (Senate).<br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2778"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2778</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213),
known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for
definitions and for alternative energy portfolio standards, providing for solar
photovoltaic technology requirements, for contract requirements for solar
photovoltaic energy system sources, for renewable energy storage report, for
energy storage deployment targets and for contracts for solar photovoltaic
technologies by Commonwealth agencies and further providing for portfolio
requirements in other states; and making a related repeal.” <i>Referred to
Environmental Resources And Energy </i>(Aug. 13, 2020) (House).<br /></span><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2772"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 2772</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Amending the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L. 950, No. 164), known
as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, in Office of Attorney General, further
providing for criminal prosecutions” <i>Referred to Judiciary</i> (Aug. 13,
2020) (House). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Federal
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-15404"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 50720</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:
Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Cook Inlet” <i>Rule</i> (August 17,
2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Office of Natural
Resources Revenue<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-17514"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 48561</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty
Payments on Indian Gas Production in Designated Areas Not Associated with an
Index Zone; Correction” <i>Notice</i> (August 11, 2020). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>House
Energy and Commerce Committee Actions:<br /></b></span><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No relevant actions
August 10-17, 2020.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee Actions: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4523?s=1&r=3"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S.4523</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A bill to regulate large-scale emissions of methane and natural
gas, and for other purposes” <i>Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources</i> (August 12, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/08/10/stories/1063706835?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire&utm_campaign=edition%2BiZ%2B%2FftFV%2B2LxUfHtN5bxJQ%3D%3D"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Dakota
Access Review May Test Trump's NEPA Overhaul,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> EE News<br /></span><a href="https://apnews.com/c65be6b23d02ef5368652765e9355c26?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=93012117&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t9e73KhWrOVh-S97hzYFZwSER9s0i5IduUZleM8rIEUkWFUVlnTP2tlp-jGMdDRu7fUQ8su00sLYK9V0YQ4BKSm5tEw&utm_content=93012117&utm_source=hs_email"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“New
Mexico Close To Adopting Oil And Gas Water Rules,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Associated Press<br /></span><a href="https://www.rigzone.com/news/job_losses_climb_in_oilfield_services-11-aug-2020-162980-article/?utm_campaign=DAILY_2020_08_12&utm_source=GLOBAL_ENG&utm_medium=EM_NW_F1"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Job
Losses Climb in Oilfield Services,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Rigzone<br /></span><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-compounds-pennsylvanias-fracking-industry-problems/?utm_source=Bravo+Group&utm_campaign=e32bce4fd0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_08_11_01_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c4e3c8489-e32bce4fd0-238321227"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“COVID
Compounds Pennsylvania's Fracking Industry Problems,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> CBS News<br /></span><a href="http://shalegasreporter.com/news/shale-well-permit-fees-double-pennsylvania/63187.html"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Shale
Gas Drilling Permit Fees More Than Double in Pa.,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<br /></span><a href="http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/mHoqCygrxaDljAlLCifCtBCicNjHvH?format=multipart"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“N.M.
to Update Oil, Gas Wastewater Regulations,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Associated Press<br /></span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/08/12/stories/1063711477?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire&utm_campaign=edition%2BiZ%2B%2FftFV%2B2LxUfHtN5bxJQ%3D%3D"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Mariner
East Spill Reaches Drinking Water In Pa.,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> EE News</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on</span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook!</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which
details all our publications and activities from the week.</span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068909814944063533.post-31017981356057184622020-08-10T13:54:00.009-04:002020-08-10T13:59:58.230-04:00Shale Law Weekly Review - August 10, 2020<p><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by:<br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sara Jenkins – Research
Assistant <br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackie Schweichler –
Staff Attorney<br /></span></b><b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kaela Gray – Research
Assistant</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The following information is an update of recent local, state,
national and international legal developments relevant to shale gas.</span></i><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Air Quality: Colorado
Court Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Amended Air Emissions Regulation Affecting
Oil and Gas Producers<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On July 29, 2020, a Colorado
District Court</span><a href="https://westerncoloradoalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ORDER-GRANTING-MOTION-TO-DISMISS.pdf"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">dismissed</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a lawsuit challenging an amended air emissions regulation that
affected oil and gas producers. (<i>Board of County Comm’rs of Weld County
Colorado v. Ryan</i>, No. 20CV31022). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
December 2019, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (Commission)
approved changes to State Regulation</span><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fZBguGRsR-IvtvHdhl7DrnGSGK6xgrND"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No. 7</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which consists of amended air quality standards for reducing
emissions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weld County filed
suit alleging that the Commission violated state statutes when it failed to
give Weld County’s requests, evidence, and recommendations priority before adopting
the regulation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weld County also
claimed that it would be injured through lost tax revenue if oil and gas
companies moved locations due to the amended regulation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court, however, held that Weld County’s
claims failed to meet the required burden to establish standing for judicial
review. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court found that
injuries resulting from relocated oil and gas producers were “indirect and
incidental.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court also held
that Weld County’s claimed injuries did not implicate a legally protected
right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court ultimately
granted the Commission’s Motion to Dismiss the case for lack of standing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: Forest
Service Issues Notice for Supplemental EIS on Mountain Valley Pipeline <br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On July 30, 2020, the
U.S. Forest Service issued a</span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/07/30/2020-16507/jefferson-national-forest-monroe-county-west-virginia-giles-and-montgomery-county-virginia-mountain"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">notice</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact
statement (SEIS) for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and Equitrans Expansion
Project. (85 FR 45863). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MVP construction
is planned to cross 3.5 miles of the Jefferson National Forest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Equitrans project,
according to its</span><a href="http://equitransproject.com/"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">website</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, is expected to transport up to 600,000 dekatherms of natural gas
per day from the Appalachian Basin to Mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, and
it will connect to the proposed MVP. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
SEIS will supplement a prior environmental impact statement issued by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and adopted by the Forest Service. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The SEIS is needed to apply
Forest Service Planning Rule requirements to soil resources, water, botanical
threatened and endangered species, and scenic integrity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A draft ESIS is expected to be available to
the public by September 2020.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: FERC Issues
Notice on Environmental Assessment for Proposed PennEast Pipeline Amendment
Project<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 7, 2020, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a</span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/07/2020-17298/penneast-pipeline-company-llc-notice-of-availability-of-the-environmental-assessment-for-the"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">notice</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of availability on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the
proposed PennEast pipeline amendment project. (85 FR 47960). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PennEast proposed to amend its certificate of
public convenience and necessity that was issued by FERC in 2018. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The PennEast 2020 Amendment Project seeks to
carry out the previously approved project in two phases. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phase one would complete construction of
pipeline facilities in Pennsylvania, resulting in 650,000 dekatherms per day of
gas transportation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phase 2 would
consist of building facilities in New Jersey after PennEast has obtained
construction authorizations from the state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FERC concluded that PennEast’s Amendment
proposal “would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pipelines: D.C. Court of
Appeals Stays Injunction on Dakota Access Pipeline Shutdown <br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 5, 2020, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia</span><a href="https://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/dc-cir-decision.pdf"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stayed</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> an injunction that required the shutdown and emptying of the
Dakota Access Pipeline. (<i>Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers,</i> No. 20-5197).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Previously,
on July 6, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia</span><a href="https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2016cv1534-546"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ordered</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that the Dakota Access Pipeline be emptied and shut down within
30 days. (district court case No. 16-1534, p. 24). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, on July 9, 2020, the district court
denied an emergency motion to stay the court’s July 6th shutdown order, stating
that it did not see a basis to grant a stay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’
Notice of Appeal, the Court of Appeals granted an</span><a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/StandingRockSiouxTribeetalvUnitedStatesArmyCorpsDocketNo2005197DC/2?1594799755"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">administrative stay</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the shutdown order to give it more time to
consider the emergency motion for stay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately,
the Court of Appeals dissolved their administrative stay and stayed the
district court injunction, finding that “the district court did not make the
findings necessary for injunctive relief.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Lands: Federal
Court Denies Motion to Enforce Judgment to Reinstate 2016 Royalty Rule<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On July 30, 2020, the U.S.
District Court for the District of California</span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/assets/2020/07/31/document_ew_01.pdf"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">denied</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a Motion to Enforce a judgment to reinstate the 2016 federal
royalty rule (2016 rule). (<i>State of California v. U.S. Dep’t of the Interior</i>,
No. C 17-5948 SBA). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The State of
California and the State of New Mexico filed suit against the U.S. Office of
Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) after it repealed the 2016 rule regarding
payments of oil and gas royalties on federal and Indian lands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court previously ruled that ONRR’s repeal
of the 2016 rule was a violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and
entered judgement reinstating the rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conservation groups then intervened in the
case and filed a motion to enforce the judgment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Magistrate Judge recommended denying the
Motion to Enforce Judgment, and the court accepted his recommendation agreeing
that enforcement is “beyond the scope of the Court’s prior Order” and that a
new lawsuit is the appropriate way to challenge ONRR’s application of the
judgment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Lands: Appeals
Court Dismisses Lawsuit Regarding 2016 Federal Royalties Rule<br /></span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On August 5, 2020, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit</span><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca10/18-8070/18-8070-2020-08-05.html"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;"> </span><span face="" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">dismissed</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a lawsuit challenging a 2016 federal royalties rule (2016 rule).
(<i>American Petroleum Institute v. United States Dept. Interior</i>, No.
18-8070). <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The 2016 rule amended civil
penalties under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American Petroleum Institute (API) filed
suit against the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) alleging that the
ONRR exceeded its authority in issuing the 2016 rule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, the court held that API lacked
standing to file suit and remanded the case back to district court for
dismissal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The court found that
API did not demonstrate a “sufficiently imminent threat of injury” needed to
establish standing in the case. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the National Oil & Gas Law Experts:<br /></span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charles Sartain, </span><a href="https://www.energyandthelaw.com/2020/08/07/partition-agreement-outweighs-coal-surface-destruction-test/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Partition Agreement Outweighs Coal Surface
Destruction Test</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 7, 2020).<br /></span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Augusta Wilson, </span><a href="http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2020/07/30/climate-change-and-covid-19-the-denial-playbook-is-the-same/"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Climate Change And Covid-19: The Denial
Playbook Is The Same</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(July 20, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AGENCY PRESS
RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Department of Energy Press Releases:</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=21845&typeid=1"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Learn How Pennsylvania Will Fight Climate
Change with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative</span></i></a><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 3, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S.
Department of Energy</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-33-million-natural-gas-pipeline-retrofitting-projects"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department of Energy Announces $33 Million for
Natural Gas Pipeline Retrofitting Projects</span></i></a><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(August 6, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/mark-w-menezes-confirmed-us-senate-be-deputy-secretary-energy"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark W. Menezes Confirmed by the U.S. Senate
to be Deputy Secretary of Energy</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (August 4, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/trump-administration-releases-policy-extending-lng-export-term-2050"><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trump Administration Releases Policy Extending
LNG Export Term to 2050</span></i></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(July 29, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No relevant releases
July 29-August 10</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><a href="http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol50/50-32/1092.html"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50 Pa.B. 4112</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “2021 Schedule of Filing Dates for Recovery of
Purchased Gas Costs; Doc. No. L-00840102” <i>Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission- Notice</i> (August 8, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pennsylvania
Legislature:</b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No relevant releases
July 31-August 10</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FEDERAL
ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE</span></i></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Federal
Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices: <br /></span></b><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy Department<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/11/2020-02358/extending-natural-gas-export-authorizations-to-non-free-trade-agreement-countries-through-the-year"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 7672</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Extending Natural Gas Export Authorizations to Non-Free Trade
Agreement Countries Through the Year 2050” <i>Proposed Rule—Comment Period</i>
(February 11, 2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission <br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-17298"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47960</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Environmental Assessments; Availability, etc.: PennEast Pipeline
Co., LLC” <i>Notice</i> (August 7, 2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Land Management Bureau<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-17315"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47985</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease: NMNM
137444, New Mexico” <i>Notice</i> (August 7, 2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-16976"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47190</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Louisiana Trustee Implementation
Group Final Restoration Plan; Living Coastal and Marine Resources, Marine
Mammals and Oysters,” <i>Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc. -
Notice</i> (August 4, 2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Office of Natural
Resources Revenue<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-16902"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47240</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Additional Royalty Payments on Indian Gas Production in
Designated Areas That Are Not Associated With an Index Zone” <i>Major Portion
Prices and Due Date - Notice</i> (August 4, 2020). <br /></span><u><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Presidential Documents<br /></span></u><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-17016"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 46997</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “NuStar Logistics, L.P.; Authorization To Construct, Connect,
Operate, and Maintain Pipeline Facilities at the U.S.-Mexico International
Boundary (Permit of July 29, 2020)” <i>Administrative Order- Presidential
Permit</i> (August 3, 2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-1703"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47001</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “NuStar Logistics, L.P.; Authorization To Operate and Maintain
Existing Pipeline Facilities at the U.S.-Mexico International Boundary (Permit
of July 29, 2020)” <i>Administrative Order- Presidential Permit</i> (August 3,
2020). <br /></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-17045"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85 FR 47005</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P.; Authorization To Operate
and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at the U.S.-Canada International
Boundary (Permit of July 29, 2020)” <i>Administrative Order- Presidential
Permit</i> (August 3, 2020). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>House
Energy and Commerce Committee Actions: </b></span><span style="font-size: 32px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7878?s=2&r=13"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H.R.7878</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To bolster evaluation procedures in consideration of interstate
natural gas pipelines in relation to National Scenic Trails, and for other
purposes” <i>Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce</i> (July
30, 2020).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee Actions: <br /></span></b><i><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No relevant releases
July 29-August 10</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0in;"><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (</span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgShaleLaw"><b><i><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@AgShaleLaw</span></i></b></a><b><i><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to receive ShaleLaw HotLinks:<br /></span></i></b><a href="http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/mGtwCygrxaDlhMxVCifCtBCicNkUos?format=multipart"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Mountain
Valley Pipeline On Track For 2021 Completion,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Reuters<br /></span><a href="http://shalegasreporter.com/news/chester-county-appoints-new-law-firm-fight-pipeline/63484.html?omhide=true"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Chester
County Appoints New Law Firm To Fight Pipeline,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Daily Local News<br /></span><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/BP-to-cut-oil-and-gas-production-by-40-over-the-15457052.php?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=92667306&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-82HoiZAcL9L-OprhjgEZjDE29Gq8BJ_8z59DsydeE2pLAfu-kOf2uT1XVRC4M7kdDg8DSDP8ZTXJ7Oq401oNIMZHci4Q&utm_content=92667306&utm_source=hs_email"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“BP
To Cut Oil And Gas Production By 40% Over 10 Years,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Houston Chronicle <br /></span><a href="https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/oil-and-gas-stakeholders-back-plan-for-plugging-west-virginias-orphaned-wells/article_8edca807-4ae6-5d2b-b01f-a6fef6530ba4.html?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=92587290&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_kMezmZ0wSrHKrzllzaZ4J0rsbqbpsxPKfwEUXXzD0g4x6t1oGMvP7nb1fyRCzntHH4dAqK9z5Mpt08NE2eYMUhYgKTw&utm_content=92587290&utm_source=hs_email"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Oil
And Gas Stakeholders Back Plan For Plugging West Virginia's Orphaned Wells,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> West Virginia News<br /></span><a href="https://www.nhpr.org/post/liberty-utilities-drops-plans-major-gas-pipeline-nh?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=92587290&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8UPdIQd-1EyDH2jw9EQTHTjPDDRQ7gqU72TazQwgxiNaS7TPO5yZAtbK0xgAIYA4gWxTycTNSrkC_En4etb0iRZ-TQTQ&utm_content=92587290&utm_source=hs_email#stream/0"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Liberty
Utilities Drops Plans For Major Gas Pipeline In N.H.,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> NHPR<br /></span><a href="https://www.hartenergy.com/news/trump-allows-keystone-pipeline-boost-canadian-oil-capacity-after-expansion-stalls-188921?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVRNNE1UTTVOakEzT1RZMCIsInQiOiJ2SFFLMlQrUVE2dFdqWVlrR3hrNkJqdTYwa3NSMVRzRHhjUnF4cmsydGFIOERPdlhIb0tSRUUwQjBrNWRrV1Q4eVh5dXFrMjFNXC9QU0l4TG5yQ3EyRHRxSVZkaUdsK3ZKV01JQk1jWk9VS1hDZFcyR2tyMmZkcU1jR0NldjhaSzkifQ%3D%3D"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“Trump
Allows Keystone Pipeline to Boost Canadian Oil Capacity after Expansion
Stalls,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Hart Energy <br /></span><a href="https://www.hartenergy.com/news/dapl-doubts-put-bakken-shale-reboot-hold-188866?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVRNNE1UTTVOakEzT1RZMCIsInQiOiJ2SFFLMlQrUVE2dFdqWVlrR3hrNkJqdTYwa3NSMVRzRHhjUnF4cmsydGFIOERPdlhIb0tSRUUwQjBrNWRrV1Q4eVh5dXFrMjFNXC9QU0l4TG5yQ3EyRHRxSVZkaUdsK3ZKV01JQk1jWk9VS1hDZFcyR2tyMmZkcU1jR0NldjhaSzkifQ%3D%3D"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“DAPL
Doubts Put Bakken Shale Reboot on Hold,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Hart Energy<br /></span><a href="https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2020/08/03/stories/1063674561?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire&utm_campaign=edition%2BiZ%2B%2FftFV%2B2LxUfHtN5bxJQ%3D%3D"><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration-line: none; text-underline: none;">“As
Natural Gas Bans Go National, Can Cities Fill The Gap?,”</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> EE News</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connect with us on</span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgShaleLaw/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook!</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which
details all our publications and activities from the week.</span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get updates, but prefer to listen? Check out the</span></b><a href="http://shalelawpodcast.libsyn.com/"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shale Law Podcast!</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We can always be found on our Libsyn page,
iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.</span></b><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in;"><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Check out the </span></b><a href="http://archive.gotoextinguisher.com/csb/Public/show/aq5y-1sormu--ouk3d-517fwmb1"><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">February Agricultural Law Brief</span></b></a><b><span face="" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ! Each month we compile the most significant
legal developments in agriculture. If you’d like to receive this update via
email, check out our website and </span></b><a href="https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/form/ag-law-brief-subscription-center"><b><span face="" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">subscribe!</span></b></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Penn State Center for Ag and Shale Lawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02001884028823284736noreply@blogger.com1