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Steptoe & Johnson's energy team provides comprehensive services to the energy industry across the firm's major practices. Team attorneys have been top listed in a number of energy-related practice areas by the authors of The Best Lawyers in America in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including Energy Law, Oil & Gas Law, Natural Resources Law and Real Estate Law. These team members provide solutions tailored to the specific needs of energy developers throughout Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.

In addition to keen legal minds, Steptoe energy lawyers have a wealth of industry experience; the firm was formed almost 100 years ago as an energy law firm. During that time, our energy lawyers have been on the cutting edge of energy developments, for example, Steptoe was the first firm to successfully secure regulatory approval for a multi-lateral Utica shale gas well.

Team members have also worked in government, helped to structure and implement regulations governing competitive markets, and worked as in-house counsel for Fortune 500 energy companies. The team's energy lawyers and paraprofessionals have proven to be sound energy counselors, whose aim is to assist clients in the competitive wholesale and retail markets as they develop,operate, finance, sell, acquire or protect the assets necessary to achieve their goals.

What Sets Us Apart?

Dedication to shaping energy law for the future
Dedicated team of Coal, Oil & Gas lawyers
Scalable, time-sensitive solutions to meet client needs
Transferrable shale gas experience
Robust abstracting resources throughout the region
100 years of experience in energy law
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA in Oil & Gas and Energy law
Strategic locations throughout the Marcellus and Utica shale plays

187 Team Members

We're all in this together

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Christopher Slaughter

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Know How

Alert The Quick and the Dead

The Quick and the Dead: Cessation and Production of Shut-Ins During the Secondary Term of An Oil and Gas Lease. Published in the North Dakota Law ReviewVolume 88, Number 3 (2012).

Webinar April 2013 - Webcast Slides - 2013 Update: Missing Heirs and Unknown Mineral Owners

Determining how to obtain necessary leases and amendments from unknown mineral owners is one of the biggest challenges to oil and gas development in WV, PA and OH. Statutes and codes from state to state differ and can prove to be challenging to work through. First presented in September 2012, this webcast will expand on the questions most pressing for producers facing this problem. Topics DiscussedHow much diligence is "due"Steps for leasing missing heirsHow to deal with the "holdouts"Partitioning the minerals

Webinar April 2013 - Webcast Recording - 2013 Update: Missing Heirs and Unknown Mineral Owners

Click here to listen and watch a recording of the Energy Keynote Webcast from April 24, 2013. Determining how to obtain necessary leases and amendments from unknown mineral owners is one of the biggest challenges to oil and gas development in WV, PA and OH. Statutes and codes from state to state differ and can prove to be challenging to work through. First presented in September 2012, this webcast will expand on the questions most pressing for producers facing this problem. Topics discussed: How much diligence is "due" Steps for leasing missing heirs How to deal with the "holdouts" Partitioning the minerals

Webinar March 2013 - Webcast Slides - MSHA Citations and Orders: Preparing for Negotiation & Litigation

Preparing to negotiate or litigate MSHA citations and orders is an increasingly tedious task. Jonathan Ellis and Peter Raupp will discuss the litigation process for MSHA citations and orders, including tips on what you can do at the time of the MSHA inspection to prepare for the eventual negotiation and/or possible litigation of any citations and orders issued.Topics to be discussed:The litigation and negotiation process for MSHA citations and ordersTips on documenting to assist in defending against citations and ordersIssues related to spoliation of evidenceRecent FMSHRC decisions

Webinar March 2013 - Webcast Presentation - MSHA Citations and Orders: Preparing for Negotiation & Litigation

Click the following link to listen to a recording of the webcast: MSHA Citations and Orders Preparing to negotiate or litigate MSHA citations and orders is an increasingly tedious task. Jonathan Ellis and Peter Raupp will discuss the litigation process for MSHA citations and orders, including tips on what you can do at the time of the MSHA inspection to prepare for the eventual negotiation and/or possible litigation of any citations and orders issued. Topics discussed: The litigation and negotiation process for MSHA citations and orders Tips on documenting to assist in defending against citations and orders Issues related to spoliation of evidence Recent FMSHRC decisions

Alert Power Line Rights of Way - FERC Approves Revised Vegetation Management Reliability Standard

On March 21, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) approved new rules for managing vegetation along power line rights of way. The purpose of the approved modifications to existing electric reliability standards is to ensure the continued reliable operation of the nation’s electric grid, or “bulk-power system.” A recurring cause in many blackouts has been vegetation-related outages. The revised standard is intended to prevent the risk of vegetation-related outages that could lead to a sustained outage, but it is not designed to address severe weather events and natural disasters.

Alert PA Judge Orders Marcellus Development Settlement Unsealed

On March 20, 2013, in a 32-page opinion, President Judge Debbie O'Dell-Seneca of the Court of Common Pleas for Washington County, Pennsylvania ordered that a sealed, court-approved settlement between Plaintiffs, Stephanie and Chris Hallowich, and Defendants, Range Resources, MarkWest Energy Partners and Wiliams Gas/Laurel Mountain Midstream Partners, to be unsealed at the request of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Washington Observer-Reporter.In their May 2010 lawsuit, the Hallowiches claimed that their health had been damaged by Defendants' Marcellus shale drilling. The Hallowiches and the Defendants were able to reach a settlement agreement in July 2011. The records pertaining to this settlement were sealed at Defendants' request by the former Washington County Common Pleas Judge Paul Pozonsky on August 23, 2011.

Webinar February 2013 - Webcast Presentation - Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) & the Energy Industry

Click the following link to listen to a recording of the webcast: FCPA & the Energy Industry The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits payments to foreign officials to obtain or keep business. Sounds pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? As with most simple-sounding things, it’s not as straight-forward as it sounds. This webcast, created specifically at businesses in the energy sector, goes through the nuts and bolts of FCPA compliance. In this webcast, William Wilmoth discusses: Primer on the FCPA statute Case studies Situations to keep top-of-mind The impact on business

Webinar February 2013 - Webcast Slides - Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) & the Energy Industry

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits payments to foreign officials to obtain or keep business. Sounds pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? As with most simple-sounding things, it’s not as straight-forward as it sounds. This webcast, created specifically at businesses in the energy sector, goes through the nuts and bolts of FCPA compliance. In this webcast, William Wilmoth discusses: Primer on the FCPA statute Case studies Situations to keep top-of-mind The impact on business

Alert Ohio EPA Proposes Air Permitting Changes for Oil and Gas Well Sites

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed several changes to its general permits for oil and gas well site production operations. These changes would:

Webinar January 2013 - Webcast Presentation - Recap of 2012 Mine Safety Developments and Forecast for 2013

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.January 2013- Energy Keynote Webcast Recap fo 2012 Mine Safety Developments and Forecast for 2013 2012 brought many changes to the mining industry including regulatory enactments, such as the revised underground mine examination rule, and the anticipated pattern of violations rule. These regulatory enactments along with MSHA’s “backlog” program and civil penalty parameters for administrative law judges will be discussed in this lead-off energy webcast for 2013. Jeff Phillips and Jonathan Ellis will provide a recap of 2012 developments and discuss what 2013 holds for MSHA and the mining industry. In this webcast, Jeff Phillips and Jonathan Ellis will discuss:

Webinar January 2013 - Webcast Slides - Recap of 2012 Mine Safety Developments and Forecast for 2013

2012 brought many changes to the mining industry including regulatory enactments, such as the revised underground mine examination rule, and the anticipated pattern of violations rule. These regulatory enactments along with MSHA’s “backlog” program and civil penalty parameters for administrative law judges will be discussed in this lead-off energy webcast for 2013. Jeff Phillips and Jonathan Ellis will provide a recap of 2012 developments and discuss what 2013 holds for MSHA and the mining industry.In this webcast, Jeff Phillips and Jonathan Ellis will discuss:Developments in the mining industry in 2012Legal decision regarding document production and flagrant violationsCriminal ramifications in light of the UBB accidentIndustry forecast for 2013

Alert USEPA Creates Uncertainty in Appalachia with Air Quality Permitting Memorandum

In the face of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in late 2012 which struck down United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) use of "functional relatedness" in determining whether sources of air emissions should be aggregated for purposes of making permit determinations under the Clean Air Act, the agency announced that while it would amend its policy in the states covered by the Sixth Circuit, it would continue using its historic interdependency analysis in the rest of the states. As a result, industry operations subject to air permitting will find potentially diverging air aggregation decisions in Ohio where the Sixth Circuit ruling will control, and Pennsylvania and West Virginia where the traditional USEPA policy will continue.

Special Feature OVERVIEW OF POOLING AND UNITIZATION AFFECTING APPALACHIAN SHALE DEVELOPMENT

Alert Court Sides with Operator in Well Location Consent Dispute

On December 27, 2012, in Meeko v. Southwestern Energy Prod. Co., 3:CV-11-1409, 2012 WL 6721076, 2012 LEXIS 182073 (M.D. Pa. Dec. 27, 2012), the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania granted summary judgment to defendant Southwestern Energy Production Company in a breach of contract claim relating to a well location dispute.In 2008, the plaintiff landowner executed an oil and gas lease with Elexco Land services, Inc., Southwestern’s predecessor, which contained a clause that granted the lessor the right to approve the location of well sites, access, roads, and pipelines, subject to the proviso that consent “shall not be unreasonably withheld.”

Alert States May Sue EPA Over Methane Emissions

Seven northeastern states – New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont – have notified the Administrator of United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that they plan to sue the agency over recently adopted rules to control air pollution from oil and gas operations unless the agency takes steps to correct perceived deficiencies in those rules and their treatment of greenhouse gas emissions. The New Source Performance Standards for oil and gas production operations – which became effective on October 15, 2012 – require “green completions” to minimize emissions during flowback from hydraulically fractured wells, as well as certain other emission controls on various processes associated with oil and gas production. However, according to the states, the rules did not directly address emissions of methane – a greenhouse gas. The states wan

Webinar November 2012 - Webcast Slides - Dart Board Litigation in the Utica & Marcellus Shales

Development of the Utica and Marcellus Shales has created a significant change in the legal environment, types of claims, and new types of plaintiffs and plaintiffs' attorneys involved. Plaintiffs now employ so-called "dart board" litigation which makes defending claims more complex and significant. New types of claims have developed including individual claims against landmen and notaries.In this webcast, Phillip Glyptis will provide an update on the claims being brought, as well as provide recommendations on how to control and potentially avoid being involved in litigation.Discussion includes: Current litigation trends Why OH, PA, and WV are different Claims in mineral title litigation Ways to protect yourself from litigation

Alert West Virginia Supreme Court Rules Surface Owners Have No Right to Appeal Well Work Permits

Today the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals issued an important decision regarding whether surface owners have a right to appeal well work permits issued by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection in the state's circuit courts.

Alert Wage and Hour Alert for Energy Industry

On Wednesday, November 14, 2012, Department of Labor (DOL) Investigator Diana Smargie spoke to the North Central WV Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter. Smargie made a number of points during her talk, one of which she was careful to highlight. As part of its 2013 enforcement initiative, the DOL will be targeting small energy producers and oil and gas service providers. As Smargie put it, a lot of people in the industry have come up through the ranks being paid wrong, so when they are in a position to pay employees themselves, they really do not know how to pay properly and they violate the wage and hour law.So what are the chief issues she sees? Her top three problems:

Webinar October 2012 - Webcast Slides - Legislative Rule-Making in West Virginia and the Proposed WVDEP Horizontal Well Rules

Legislative Rule-Making in West Virginia and the Proposed WVDEP Horizontal Well RulesFollowing passage of the West Virginia Natural Gas Horizontal Well Control Act in December 2011, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection filed a proposed legislative rule, 35 CSR, Series 8 (the "Horizontal Well Rule"), addressing the regulation and production of natural gas from horizontal wells in West Virginia. In response to public comments received, the DEP recently filed a modified version of its Horizontal Well Rule. This is the final step to be taken by the agency prior to the consideration of the rule by the legislature. The legislative rule-making committee will now begin its own review of the modified Horizontal Well Rule in hopes that it will be ready for consideration by the whole legislature during the upcoming 2013 Regular Session.Discussion includes

Webinar October 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Legislative Rule-Making in West Virginia and the Proposed WVDEP Horizontal Well Rules

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE. October 2012 - Energy Keynote Webcast Legislative Rule-Making in West Virginia and the Proposed WVDEP Horizontal Well Rules

Webinar August 2012 - Webcast Slides - Trucking Companies to Independent Contractors: New Regulations in the Utica & Marcellus Shales

Trucking Companies to Independent Contractors: New Regulations in the Utica & Marcellus Shales On June 5, 2012 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued updated guidance to clarify the applicability of the “Oilfield Operations” exceptions to the "Hours of Service" regulations for commercial drivers. The exception has gotten more attention recently as a result of increased Marcellus drilling activities in the Northeast; and a number of highway deaths linked to commercial drivers operating vehicles in excess of the permitted hours of service.

Webinar August 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Trucking Companies to Independent Contractors: New Regulations in the Utica & Marcellus Shales

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.August 2012 - Energy Keynote Webcast Trucking Companies to Independent Contractors: New Regulations in the Utica & Marcellus ShalesOn June 5, 2012 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued updated guidance to clarify the applicability of the “Oilfield Operations” exceptions to the "Hours of Service" regulations for commercial drivers. The exception has gotten more attention recently as a result of increased Marcellus drilling activities in the Northeast; and a number of highway deaths linked to commercial drivers operating vehicles in excess of the permitted hours of service.

Webinar July 2012 - Webcast Slides - Mineral Title Litigation & Litigation Trends in the Utica and Marcellus Shales

Mineral Title Litigation & Litigation Trends in the Utica and Marcellus ShalesThe ongoing development of the Utica and Marcellus shales has resulted in increased mineral title litigation and varying litigation trends throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In this webcast, Kevin West and Jim Wright will discuss these issues and how they affect energy developers doing business in the region.Discussion includes:Curing title issuesHow WV, OH, and PA are differentCurrent litigation trends in the Utica and MarcellusWays to protect yourself

Webinar June 2012 - Webcast Slides - Senate Bill 315, New Regulatory Requirements for Oil and Gas Drilling, Disposal and Gathering in Ohio

Senate Bill 315, New Regulatory Requirements for Oil and Gas Drilling, Disposal and Gathering in OhioThe Ohio General Assembly has enacted a comprehensive energy bill, Senate Bill 315, which includes several provisions affecting the natural gas industry. The bill makes several significant regulatory changes impacting horizontal natural gas and liquid production. The bill includes a provision requiring producers to report volume and chemical descriptions for all fluids used in the production process and the total volume of recycled fluids used. The legislation also imposes additional requirements regarding water sampling and source disclosure. In this webcast, Neal Pierce and Kathy Milenkovski will discuss the provisions and impacts of Senate Bill 315. Kevin West will moderate the discussion of the Senate Bill.Discussion includes:

Webinar June 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Senate Bill 315, New Regulatory Requirements for Oil and Gas Drilling, Disposal and Gathering in Ohio

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.June 2012- Energy Keynote Webcast Senate Bill 315, New Regulatory Requirements for Oil and Gas Drilling, Disposal and Gathering in Ohio The Ohio General Assembly has enacted a comprehensive energy bill, Senate Bill 315, which includes several provisions affecting the natural gas industry.

Webinar June 2012 - Webcast Slides - Employment in Ohio: 10 Things Energy Developers Should Know

Employment in Ohio: 10 Things Energy Developers Should KnowOhio, like all states, has its own particular nuances on employment law that affect employers. In order to effectively operate in the State, you need to know the lay of the land. You will be guided through employment law issues unique to business operations in Ohio. In this webcast, Toney Stroud and Todd Sarver will discuss employment law issues that affect energy developers doing business in the Utica Shale. Discussion includes: Employment discrimination Employment-at-will Wrongful termination Pay practices Workers' compensation Retaliation and leave laws

Webinar June 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Employment in Ohio: 10 Things Energy Developers Should Know

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.June 2012 - Energy Keynote Webcast Employment in Ohio: 10 Things Energy Developers Should KnowOhio, like all states, has its own particular nuances on employment law that affect employers. In order to effectively operate in the State, you need to know the lay of the land. You will be guided through employment law issues unique to business operations in Ohio. In this webcast, Toney Stroud and Todd Sarver will discuss employment law issues that affect energy developers doing business in the Utica Shale. Discussion includes:

Webinar May 2012 - Webcast Slides - Current Issues in Titles, Spacing and Pooling in the Utica Shale

Current Issues in Titles, Spacing and Pooling in the Utica ShaleThe development of the Utica Shale in Ohio presents many unique issues involving mineral title and leasing and also drilling units and pooling. In this webcast, Neal Pierce and Tim McKeen will discuss some of the current title issues in Ohio and provide an overview of Ohio’s spacing and pooling law. Discussion includes:Treatment of old leasesOhio’s dormant mineral actAvailable regulatory tools for establishing drilling unitsPooling state and other publicly owned landsAnalysis of recent efforts to form multiple well units

Webinar May 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Current Issues in Titles, Spacing and Pooling in the Utica Shale

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.May 2012 - Energy Keynote Webcast Current Issues in Titles, Spacing and Pooling in the Utica ShaleThe development of the Utica Shale in Ohio presents many unique issues involving mineral title and leasing and also drilling units and pooling. In this webcast, Neal Pierce and Tim McKeen will discuss some of the current title issues in Ohio and provide an overview of Ohio’s spacing and pooling law. Discussion includes:

Webinar March 2012 - Webcast Slides - Utica Deals: Purchase, Sale and Financing Considerations in Ohio

Utica Deals: Purchase, Sale and Financing Considerations in OhioWhether you are the purchaser, seller or lender for the purchase of Utica Shale assets, certain aspects of the merger and acquisition transaction tend to be particularly problematic in many deals. The failure of the seller to follow business and legal formalities on an ongoing basis can create issues for the buyer. Furthermore, the lack of proper documentation and defects in the chain of title can make due diligence particularly troublesome.In this webcast, Bryan Prosek and Andrew Kalgreen will discuss some of the issues with transactions in the Utica Shale and Ohio. Discussion will include:

Webinar March 2012 - Webcast Presentation - Utica Deals: Purchase, Sale and Financing Considerations in Ohio

Click to play. Whether you are the purchaser, seller or lender for the purchase of Utica Shale assets, certain aspects of the merger and acquisition transaction tend to be particularly problematic in many deals. The failure of the seller to follow business and legal formalities on an ongoing basis can create issues for the buyer. Furthermore, the lack of proper documentation and defects in the chain of title can make due diligence particularly troublesome.In this webcast, Bryan Prosek and Andrew Kalgreen will discuss some of the issues with transactions in the Utica Shale and Ohio. Discussion will include:

Webinar December 2011 - Webcast Slides - New WV Legislation Regulates Horizontal Gas Wells - A Discussion of Key Facets of the Bill

New WV Legislation Regulates Horizontal Gas Wells - A Discussion of Key Facets of the BillThe West Virginia Legislature passed landmark legislation on December 14th to regulate horizontal oil and gas wells. Although the bill technically addresses horizontal wells in general, the purpose of the legislation is to address the oncoming growth of oil and gas development in the Marcellus shale in West Virginia. In this webcast, Energy Team Leader Sharon Flanery, Government Relations Coordinator Gil White, and Environmental and Regulatory attorney Armando Benincasa will discuss the legislation and the significant issues addressed within the bill. Discussion included:

Webinar December 2011 - Webcast Presentation - New WV Legislation Regulates Horizontal Gas Wells - A Discussion of Key Facets of the Bill

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.December 2011 - Energy Keynote Webcast New WV Legislation Regulates Horizontal Gas Wells - A Discussion of Key Facets of the Bill

Webinar November 2011 - Webcast Slides - MSHA Citation Defense - An Operator's Guide

MSHA Citation Defense - An Operator's GuideUnderstanding and handling MSHA citations and petitions can be a tedious task. Steptoe & Johnson attorneys have excellent insight into MSHA and how to handle citations and will share some of this knowledge with you this month. This webcast will address the litigation process of MSHA citations and petitions, how the negotiation process works with a Department of Labor attorney, and will give you tips as to what you can do at the time of inspections/citations to help your attorneys defend you. Discussion included: The litigation process of MSHA citations and petitions Update on the backlog project Demonstration of the negotiation process Your defense: what you can do to help

Webinar November 2011 - Webcast Presentation - MSHA Citation Defense - An Operator's Guide

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE. Understanding and handling MSHA citations and petitions can be a tedious task. Steptoe & Johnson attorneys have excellent insight into MSHA and how to handle citations and will share some of this knowledge with you this month. This webcast will address the litigation process of MSHA citations and petitions, how the negotiation process works with a Department of Labor attorney, and will give you tips as to what you can do at the time of inspections/citations to help your attorneys defend you. Discussion included:

Webinar October 2011 - Webcast Slides - Ohio Title Issues

Ohio Title Issues As the Marcellus and Utica shale plays continue to grow in Ohio, issues regarding title have come to the forefront. This webcast will address the specifics of Ohio titles and what the law specifies in regards to minerals, royalties, apportionment and other topics of concern. Discussion included:Ohio's Dormant Mineral ActRecording requirementsWhere to find recordsTitle standards

Webinar October 2011 - Webcast Presentation - Ohio Title Issues

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE.October 2011 - Energy Keynote Webcast Ohio Title IssuesAs the Marcellus and Utica shale plays continue to grow in Ohio, issues regarding title have come to the forefront. This webcast addresses the specifics of Ohio titles and what the law specifies in regards to minerals, royalties, apportionment and other topics of concern.Discussion included:Ohio's Dormant Mineral ActRecording requirementsWhere to find recordsTitle standards

Webinar September 2011 - Energy Webcast Slides - Shale Plays- Thinking Internationally

Shale Plays - Thinking InternationallyAs natural gas development increases around the globe, challenges have come to the forefront of operating internationally. This webcast will address the challenges and benefits of international operations including economic, political, and environmental views. Topics addressed: The growing world of identified global shale plays Why think internationally? Challenges and benefits of international operations The big difference - law, business, culture

Webinar September 2011 - Webcast Presentation - Shale Plays: Thinking Internationally

To watch and listen to a recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE. September 2011 - Energy Keynote Webcast Shale Plays - Thinking Internationally As natural gas development increases around the globe, challenges have come to the forefront of operating internationally. This webcast will address the challenges and benefits of international operations including economic, political, and environmental views. Topics addressed: The growing world of identified global shale plays Why think internationally? Challenges and benefits of international operations The big difference - law, business, culture

Webinar August 2011 - Webcast Presentation - Pipeline Safety in the Utica and Marcellus Shale: An Overview of OH, PA, and WV

To watch and listen to the recording of this webcast, CLICK HERE. August 2011 - Energy Keynote Webcast Pipeline Safety in the Utica and Marcellus Shale: An Overview of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia As natural gas development increases in the Utica and Marcellus formations, midstream or gathering pipeline and processing facilities are being constructed to transport increased production to market. This webinar will address the state and federal pipeline safety regulation of those facilities in WV, OH and PA. We will also address how to handle the unexpected crisis situations in regards to natural gas pipeline ruptures and accidents. Topics addressed:

Webinar August 2011 - Energy Webcast Slides - Pipeline Safety in the Utica and Marcellus Shale: An Overview of OH, PA, and WV

Pipeline Safety in the Utica and Marcellus Shale: An Overview of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia As natural gas development increases in the Utica and Marcellus formations, midstream or gathering pipeline and processing facilities are being constructed to transport increased production to market. This webinar will address the state and federal pipeline safety regulation of those facilities in WV, OH and PA. We will also address how to handle the unexpected crisis situations in regards to natural gas pipeline ruptures and accidents. Topics addressed: Federal pipeline safety regulations State and federal production and gathering regulations An overview of regulations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia Crisis management in regards to pipeline safety

Video Challenges of Mineral Titles in Appalachia

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Video Challenges of Energy Litigation

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Video Part II: Pooling Statutes in NY, MD, OH, PA & WV

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Video Part I: Pooling Statutes in NY, MD, OH, PA & WV

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Alert Conducting Business in Conflict Zones

As opportunities for oil and gas development arise in the global marketplace, many multinational corporations and law firms are operating in areas that are under or undeveloped or that have been recently devastated by war. Energy development in conflict areas with abundant oil, gas, and shale-gas reserves has the potential to be tremendously profitable. For example, it is estimated that Iraqi Kurdistan has 45 billion barrels of oil and as much as 6 trillion cubic meters of gas. It is also predicted that Afghanistan may hold hundreds of millions of barrels of oil. Along with having enormous profit potential, energy development in conflict zones is critical to rebuilding stable local economies and to promoting lasting peace. The U.S.

Alert PA Law Opens More State Lands for Energy Development

Alert PA PUC Decides Local Ordinance Violates Act 13

Last week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) ruled that the South Fayette Township’s ordinance governing oil and gas well development and processing violates provisions of Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Act 13), Pennsylvania’s primary law regulating oil and gas operations.

Alert FERC Allows Pipeline to Prohibit Backhaul Shippers From Nominating Forward Haul Service

Shippers with firm transportation capacity on interstate pipelines often nominate their contracts to move gas in numerous directions on the pipeline on a secondary point basis, subject to the pipeline’s tariff scheduling priorities. Those with firm primary forward haul capacity might nominate to back haul gas on a secondary point basis. Some pipelines sell back haul service at primary points – perhaps at discounted firm transportation rates. Other pipelines provide separate services (rate schedules) for back haul transportation service between primary points, but, case in point, not all back haul services are created equal.

Alert Alert: Judge Rules in Favor of Pa. Natural Gas Industry

Federal Court Broadly Construes Kilmer v. Elexco Land Services, Inc.

Alert DRBC: Calls for Studies Will Not Delay Drilling Rules

Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission Anticipates New Rules Will Not Be Delayed by Calls for More Studies

Alert Pa. Governor Order Bans Oil and Gas Leasing in State Forests

Pennsylvania Orders Moratorium On Oil and Gas Leases In State Forests Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed an executive order banning future oil and gas leasing of lands owned or managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Governor Rendell's order does not affect existing leases on state forest land, but it does prohibit any further leasing of the 2.2 million acres of forest owned or managed by the DCNR. Since 2008, Pennsylvania has generated $4.5 million in royalties from leases on approximately 700,000 acres of state land overlying the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation.

Alert FERC Seeks Public Comment

FERC Seeks Comment on Intrastate Pipeline Capacity TransfersOn October 21, 2010, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in Docket No. RM11-1 seeking public comment on the issue of "whether and how holders of firm interstate capacity on some intrastate pipelines can allow others to use their capacity, including to what extent buy/sell transactions should be permitted." The comment period will last for 60 days following publication of the NOI in the Federal Register.

Alert EPA Finalizes New Rules for Natural Gas Industry

EPA Finalizes Natural Gas Industry GHG Reporting Requirements On November 8, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized reporting requirements for the petroleum and natural gas industry under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program, 40 C.F.R Part 98. Beginning in 2011, petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year are required to monitor and report all greenhouse gas emissions to EPA. Data collection will begin January 1, 2011, with the first annual reports due to EPA in 2012.

Alert FERC Clarifies Jurisdiction

FERC Clarifies Jurisdiction Over Interconnection Agreements Between a Qualifying Facility and a Public Utility On November 3, 2010, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) denied the petition of a public utility seeking clarification that FERC has jurisdiction over interconnection agreements between a Qualifying Facility (QF) and a public utility only if the QF actually sells its output to a third party. In the same matter, an intervener sought clarification that interconnection agreements with QFs do not have to be filed with FERC as long as the host public utility purchases all of the QF's power.

Alert Pittsburgh Bans Gas Drilling

Alert NY State Assembly Passes Fracing Moratorium

Lame Duck Session of the New York State Assembly Approves Moratorium on Fracing A lame duck session of the New York State Assembly voted 93-43 on Monday in favor of a six-month moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas exploration in the state. Coupled with the state Senate?s vote for the moratorium in the summer and the current Governor?s support for the moratorium, the vote means that no gas drilling permits utilizing this method of exploration can be issued before May 15, 2011.

Alert DRBC Releases New Rules for Natural Gas Developers

New Proposed Rules for Natural Gas Development in the Delaware River Basin are Released

Alert NY Gov Ends Moratorium, Stops High Volume Hydro Fracing

New York Governor Vetoes Moratorium Bill; Issues Executive Order Prohibiting High-Volume, Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing until July 1, 2011New York Governor David Paterson has issued an executive order prohibiting the use of high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing as a means of oil and gas exploration in New York until at least July 1, 2011.

Alert FERC Has Final Say On Pipeline Routing Over Active Coal Mining

Alert WVU Report Details Marcellus Shale Economic Impact

Impact on WV Economy Due to Marcellus Shale industry Detailed in WVU Report In a report released this week, researchers from the WVU College of Business and Economics concluded that "[t]he economic impact of the Marcellus Shale development [on the state of West Virginia] for 2009 was $2.35 billion of business volume and accounted for generation of 7,600 jobs." And this positive impact on the state?s economy is expected to grow into the future.

Alert Pa. Court Interprets Habendum Clause of Oil and Gas Leases

Pennsylvania Superior Court Interprets Nonstandard Habendum Clause of Oil and Gas Leases In Hite v. Falcon Partners Trust, 2011 WL 9632 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2011), the Pennsylvania Superior Court interpreted the nonstandard habendum clause of certain oil and gas leases, which read:

Alert The Marcellus Shale: The Real Deal for the Construction Industry?

The Marcellus Shale: Is it the Real Deal for the Construction Industry?From Williamsport to Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, through the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and continuing to Charleston, the area's rural roads and one realizes that a mini industrial revolution is occurring throughout our tri-state region. Small town hotels and restaurants are overflowing with the commerce that has come with the Marcellus Shale activity. But what does this activity mean for the construction industry? While the activity is easy to observe, until recently, the actual economic impacts have not been quantified.

Alert FERC Issues No Action Letter on AMAs

FERC Issues No Action Letter on Asset Management Arrangements

Alert PA DEP: No Health Threat from Marcellus Natural Gas Emissions

Pennsylvania DEP Study Confirms No Threat to Human Health from Marcellus EmissionsAccording to the results of an air quality study released by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Monday, emissions from natural gas operations in the Marcellus shale region do not pose a threat to public health. The DEP's study confirmed the results of a previous study performed in southwest Pennsylvania, which showed that drilling emissions do not constitute a human health risk.

Alert Court Upholds Validity of Decades-Old Pipeline Easements

Federal Court Upholds Validity of Decades-Old Pipeline EasementsThe United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Chicago, recently upheld the validity of several decades-old pipeline easements affecting 120 miles on a pipeline construction route. Enbridge Pipelines (Illinois) L.L.C., v. Michael S. Moore, et al., Nos. 10-2268, 10-2305, 10-2313, 10-2850 (7th Circuit Jan. 24, 2011). The decision is important because it interprets "maintenance" of pipelines, a provision found in many such easements and often controlling on whether the easement remains in force and effect, in a manner favorable to pipeline companies.The appeal was a consolidation of several lower court judgments rendered in favor of Enbridge. The easements had been obtained by Enbridge?s predecessor for the purpose of constructing a 10 inch pipeline in 1939.

Alert Court Denies Challenge to PJM's Reliability Pricing Model

Court Denies Challenge to PJM?s Reliability Pricing ModelOn February 8, 2011, a federal court denied a challenge made by two public utilities commissions, to FERC?s orders approving PJM Interconnection, LLC?s (PJM) 2005 proposed Reliability Pricing Model (RPM), which was designed to encourage investment in electrical capacity. Maryland Public Service Commission v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, No. 09-1296 (D.C. Cir. Feb. 8, 2011).

Alert When Does a PA Conveyance of "Surface" Include Oil and Gas (and When Does It Not)?

When Does a Pennsylvania Conveyance of "Surface" Include Oil and Gas (and When Does It Not)? In Yuscavage v. Hamlin, 137 A.2d 242 (Pa. 1958), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that a deed conveying "all the surface and right of soil conveyed "all the surface and right of soil" and the oil and gas estate thereunder. In Fulton v. Brown, No. 12642 CD 2006, 2009 WL 7166112 (C.P. Indiana 2009), the Court of Common Pleas of Indiana County was faced with a case in which parties disputed whether a deed conveying "surface" also conveyed the oil and gas under that surface. The Fulton court distinguished Yuscavage and ruled that it did not.

Alert The Effect of Marcellus Shale Regulation on Midstream Pipeline Companies

Much has been written about the major natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale formation located in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. But much of the focus has been on "producing" the gas - getting it out of the ground. Of course, it is the role of pipeline companies in their various business models to get that gas to market. Depending on the role a pipeline company plays ? for whom and to where it transports the gas, for example - will determine the extent to which it is regulated by a state public service or utility commission or even the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC").

Alert WV Legislature Seeks to Increase Oil and Gas Drilling Rules

New Legislation Regulating Horizontal Wells on the Fast Track in West Virginia

Alert Steptoe & Johnson Enhances FERC Practice

Addition of Gayleen Smith Adds to FERC & Energy PracticeSteptoe & Johnson is pleased to announce that Gayleen Smith, CPA, CCEP, has joined the firm and will assist the Energy and Natural Resources Practice Teams.As a Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Smith has 20-plus years of broad-based experience in various aspects of internal audit, FERC, SOX and general compliance, finance and public accounting. She was the former FERC Compliance Manager for a Fortune 500 energy company with FERC-regulated natural gas and electric businesses. She obtained her Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) certificate in 2006.

Alert New York Threatens to Sue DRBC Over Fracing Study

New York Threatens to Sue DRBC over NEPA Fracing StudyNew York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has said he will sue the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) if it does not commit to performing a full environmental impact study of its proposed hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, regulations within 30 days.The DRBC is a federal-interstate body created through a Congressionally-approved compact between the federal government and governors of the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Commission has legal authority to approve or disapprove activities that may have a substantial effect on the water resources within the 13,500 square mile Delaware River Basin -- including over 2,300 square miles in New York.

Alert FERC Standard for Temporary Deactivation of Facilities

FERC Denies Request to Temporarily Deactivate Compression - Future Review of Proposals Involving Temporary Cessation of ServicesOn April 27, 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (?FERC?) denied a pipeline's request, under Section 7(c)(1)(B) of the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), to authorize the temporary deactivation for up to four years of twenty-one compressor units totaling 138,060 horsepower (hp) at nine compressor facilities. The pipeline had also requested that the reduction be reflected in the available unsubscribed capacity section of its electronic bulletin board for the duration of the temporary deactivation. El Paso Natural Gas Company, 135 FERC ? 61,079 (2011).

Alert Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force Holds First Meeting

On May 4, the inaugural meeting of the Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force, created by acting West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, took place in Charleston. The purpose of the Task Force is economic development: to enable West Virginia to retain the benefit of the ethane-rich Marcellus shale natural gas being extracted here, by successfully recruiting the construction of one or more ethane cracking facilities in the State. West Virginia?s key competitors for new ethane crackers were discussed, as were the advantages of locating such a facility in West Virginia, which include close proximity to the ethane, pre-existing infra-structure and human resources.

Alert Ohio EPA: Cities Not Permitted to Treat Wastewater

Treating Brine in Wastewater Treatment Plants Not an Option, According to Ohio EPAThe Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) announced yesterday that cities cannot treat wastewater from natural gas wells in their sewage plants, cutting off a substantial source of potential revenue for local governments.The agency says it is concerned that the wastewater poses a pollution risk and could negatively impact drinking water. The decision announced yesterday to the public and in letters to both state and local officials directly impacts the communities of East Liverpool and Warren, both of which had hoped to reap significant financial rewards from the treatment of industry wastewater.

Alert PA Regulation of Natural Gas Gathering and Midstream Activity

On May 19, 2011, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ("PaPUC") took much-awaited action in the Laser Northeast Gathering Company, LLC ("Laser") proceeding - a precedent setting proceeding of great interest to landowners, consumers, natural gas producers and gathering and midstream companies operating in Pennsylvania.

Alert WVU Professors Say Marcellus Done Right is Good for State

In interviews with The Dominion Post, two WVU professors, a geologist and a water expert, make the case that Marcellus drilling done right can be safe and a benefit to the state. Dr. Tim Carr is the Marshall S. Miller Professor of Energy in the Eberly College Geology and Geography Department and Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz directs West Virginia University's Water Research Institute.

Alert Zoning Ordinances, the Marcellus Opportunity, and Regional Developments

With the rapid growth of gas well permitting throughout the region, many towns are rushing to adopt laws and zoning restrictions to limit Marcellus Shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing. For example, in late 2010, the Pittsburgh City Council passed an ordinance banning natural gas drilling in Pittsburgh. In May, 2011, the Wellsburg, WV (Brooke County) City Council reportedly passed an ordinance to ban drilling within the Wellsburg city limits, and to ban fracking within one mile of the city's corporate limits. Other city councils are in the process of considering such ordinances. On June 7, the Morgantown, WV City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to ban fracking within Morgantown as well as within one mile of the Morgantown city limits.

Alert Zoning Ordinances, the Marcellus Opportunity, and Regional Developments

With the rapid growth of gas well permitting throughout the region, many towns are rushing to adopt laws and zoning restrictions to limit Marcellus Shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing. For example, in late 2010, the Pittsburgh City Council passed an ordinance banning natural gas drilling in Pittsburgh. In May, 2011, the Wellsburg, WV (Brooke County) City Council reportedly passed an ordinance to ban drilling within the Wellsburg city limits, and to ban fracking within one mile of the city?s corporate limits. Other city councils are in the process of considering such ordinances. On June 7, the Morgantown, WV City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to ban fracking within Morgantown as well as within one mile of the Morgantown city limits.

Alert Supreme Court Leaves GHG Regulation to EPA

The United States Supreme Court today threw out a lawsuit brought by several states, which targeted the five largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the United States: American Electric Power Co., Duke Energy Corp., Southern Co. Inc., Xcel Energy Inc., and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The suit sought to have the courts impose restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from the electric utilities, arguing that they constitute a public nuisance.

Alert Ohio Senate OK's Drilling in State Parks and Forests

The Ohio Senate approved a bill last week allowing oil and gas drilling in state parks, forests and other state-owned lands. The bill must return to the House for approval of changes made by the Senate but is expected to move quickly and to be on Governor Kasich?s desk soon. Governor Kasich has indicated he supports the bill. While the bill is likely to be approved soon, state officials say it will be a year or more before anyone starts drilling on any state lands.

Alert PA DEP Settles Dispute with Chesapeake Bay Foundation

In a July 6, 2011 settlement of an action pending before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources resolved appeals filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation of certain permits issued by the Department. Among the provisions of the settlement are that:1.) DEP will "establish as its objective" completion of non-expedited E&S applications within 60 calendar days of filing unless the applicant qualifies for expedited processing. Expedited processing will not be available for many types of applications.

Alert WV Governor Issues Executive Order Regulating Marcellus Shale Exploration

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today issued an Executive Order ("Order") requiring the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ("WVDEP") to develop emergency rules regarding the potential environmental impacts of Marcellus shale exploration. The Order affirmed the Governor's previous statements supporting the safe and sound development of the Marcellus shale in West VirginiaWith regard to the regulatory requirements to be developed, the scope of the emergency rule-making to be undertaken by the WVDEP includes requirements that oil and gas operators:

Alert PA Law Opens More State Lands for Energy Resource Development

On October 8, 2012, the Indigenous Mineral Resources Incentives Development Act ("Act") was enacted into the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Act expands the state-owned lands available for resource extraction activities by conferring power to the Department of General Services on behalf of the Commonwealth to enter into leases or make contracts on certain state lands for such purposes. The Act contains provisions pertinent to two categories of public lands: (1) "state-owned land" which is land that is not "state system land" and is not land currently owned or administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, or the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and; (2) "state system land" which is land owned or controlled by the State System of Higher Education of the Commonwealth.

Alert PA Marcellus Commission Issues Report, Recommendations

On July 22nd, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission released its report, setting forth 96 recommendations designed to ensure the responsible development of the Commonwealth's natural gas resources. The Commission suggested:

Alert Ohio EPA Proposes Air Permits for Drilling Sites

During the past several months, Ohio EPA has been working to determine what, if any, air pollution requirements apply to well-site operations in the oil and gas industry ? in particular, in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Ohio EPA?s analysis has determined that the following types of equipment and processes commonly found at well sites may need air permits:

Alert Judge Overturns City of Morgantown Fracking Ban

In a ruling late on Friday afternoon, Circuit Court Judge Susan Tucker overturned the city of Morgantown's ordinance banning hydraulic fracturing within city limits and extending one mile outside the city's municipal boundaries.In a broad ruling, Judge Tucker found that regulation of hydraulic fracturing was the responsibility of the state and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and not the city. The Court noted the Governor's recent Executive Order and legislative efforts being made to address the issue.

Alert DEP Files Emergency Rule for Horizontal Drilling

Pursuant to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's July 12, 2011 Executive Order, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection late yesterday filed an emergency rule that will apply to horizontal wells in West Virginia, as well as pad sites in excess of three acres in size and certain water withdrawals.

Alert PA PUC Clarifies Public Utility Criteria

Continuing developments in the Laser Northeast gathering proceeding impact the regulation of gathering and midstream companies operating in Pennsylvania. Background: Laser Northeast proposes to construct a gathering system in Pennsylvania extending into New York where it is to interconnect with an interstate natural gas pipeline. Its purpose is to provide gathering service to producers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (?FERC?) previously agreed that the system performs a gathering function under FERC?s applicable test. In Pennsylvania, Laser is seeking ?public utility? status under Pennsylvania law, which, if granted, would also provide Laser with the power of eminent domain.

Alert Laser Northeast Withdraws PaPUC Application

As our prior alerts concerning the Laser Northeast Gathering Company, LLC (?Laser?) proceeding have stated, the Laser proceeding is a precedent-setting proceeding of great interest to landowners, consumers, natural gas producers and gathering and midstream companies operating in Pennsylvania.

Alert Superior Court Challenges Dunham Rule for Marcellus Shale

In 1882, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced a presumption that a reservation of ?minerals? does not include oil absent evidence within the four corners of the deed of a contrary intent. Dunham v. Kirkpatick, 101 Pa. 36 (1882). In 1960, the Supreme Court announced that its decision in Dunham was a rule of Pennsylvania property law and that pursuant to the Dunham logic, a grant or reservation of ?oil? would not include ?gas? absent clear expression of the parties? intent to do so. Highland v. Commonwealth, 161 A.2d 390 (Pa. 1960) was a rule of Pennsylvania property law.

Alert 3rd Circuit Upholds Private Property Rights

In Minard Run Oil Company, et al v. United States Forest Service, et al Nos. 10-265 and 10-2332 the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit faced an appeal of a courageous opinion by US District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin preliminarily enjoining efforts of the US Forest Service to impose policies that would have virtually terminated any meaningful rights of the owners of oil and gas underlying the Allegheny National Forest to develop their properties. The actions of the Forest Service in the case are remarkable.

Alert Planning Key to Success with Ohio Oil & Gas Rules

As the pace of exploration and development in Ohio's shale play increases and horizontal wells become more common, operators want to be aware of the interplay of Ohio's oil and gas conservation law with their plans and development schedule. Effective use of the conservation rules requires advanced planning and understanding of the lead times built into the process.

Alert Public Comment Period for Oil and Gas Well Site General Permit

The Ohio EPA has announced that a draft oil and gas well site general air permit is available for review and comment. This general permit is designed to cover air emissions from equipment installed for use during the production phase of a Marcellus or Utica/Point Pleasant shale oil and gas well. While a draft of the general permit has been available for review and the agency has been accepting input regarding the content of the permit for months, yesterday marked the official start of the 30-day public comment period and the administrative review process which will allow the permit to become effective.

Alert Mineral Interests vs Wind Farm Conflict

In a time of ever-expanding forms of sustainable energy, one type of energy development can often conflict with another. A mineral owner has asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma to determine whose interests in energy development will prevail: the owner of a mineral estate or the developer of electric energy-producing wind turbines, commonly referred to as a "wind farm."

Alert Delaware River Basin Commission Releases Final Rules On Natural Gas Development

On Tuesday, the Delaware River Basin Commission (?DRBC?) released its revised rules on natural gas development in the basin after a public comment period during which the commission received over 69,000 comments. The revised rules maintain many of the attributes of the initial draft rules issued on December 9, 2010. Notably, the rules permit the drilling of 300 wells and call for a reassessment after 18 months.

Alert FERC Prohibits Multiple-Affiliate Bidding in Pipeline Open Seasons

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") approved new regulations in a final rule issued on November 17, 2011, geared toward protecting single bidders and toward the goal of assuring fair distribution of pipeline capacity in the open season context. Companies, and companies with affiliates, bidding in open seasons for pipeline capacity should be aware of these new regulations.

Alert WV Circuit Court Ruling Offers Guidance for Deed Interpretation

The Preston County Circuit Court of West Virginia (the "Court") was recently charged with determining the ownership of a one-seventh interest in a 225 acre oil and gas tract. The deed purported to convey "the surface only."Under the facts and circumstances of the case, the Court held that the oil and gas also passed unto grantee. At issue was the conveyance of:

Alert WV Governor Will Call Special Session to Address Marcellus Shale

At a meeting this morning in Wheeling, West Virginia, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin stated his intention to call state legislators to Charleston next week for a special session to deal with Marcellus Shale policy. Governor Tomblin made the announcement during a meeting with 400 state and local officials during the 25th Annual Project BEST breakfast at Oglebay Park's Wilson Lodge.The calling of a special session reflects Governor Tomblin?s clear desire that a Marcellus Shale bill receive the attention and focus it deserves, and before other legislative measures will be addressed during the regular session of the legislature. In making the announcement, Governor Tomblin commented that all of the stakeholders have met and a good and responsible bill will be introduced.

Alert Mineral Interests v. Wind Farm Conflict

This is an update from an alert on October 25, 2011. (Click here to read the October 25, 2011 alert).On October 18, 2011, the Osage Nation, an Oklahoma Indian tribe, filed litigation asking the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma to address the issues that arise when multiple energy producers? interests collide; that is, whether or not the construction of a wind farm will interfere with the Osage Nation?s access to and extraction and development of the minerals underlying the disputed surface.

Alert West Virginia Passes Horizontal Well Legislation

The West Virginia Legislature today passed landmark legislation to regulate horizontal oil and gas wells. Although the bill technically addresses horizontal wells in general, the purpose of the legislation is to address the oncoming growth of oil and gas development in the Marcellus shale in West Virginia.The bill represents a significant victory for both Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, whose compromise legislation easily passed both the House of Delegates and the Senate with only minor amendments and will become law upon his signature, and the leadership of both houses of the Legislature, which managed to pass significant legislation in this short special session.The new law will provide:

Alert Transporting All of that Marcellus Shale Gas to the Market - The Critical Effect of Regulation on Midstream Pipeline Companies

Much has been written about the major natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale formation located in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. But much of the focus has been on "producing" the gas - getting it out of the ground. Of course, it is the role of pipeline companies in their various business models to get that gas to market. Depending on the role a pipeline company plays - for whom and to where it transports the gas, for example - will determine the extent to which it is regulated by a state public service or utility commission or even the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC").

Alert West Virginia House of Delegates Passes Legislation to Lure a Cracker Facility

In ongoing attempts to best position the state to attract an ethane cracker facility to the state, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed out House Bill 4086 yesterday which grants substantial tax incentives for large investments of capitol in West Virginia aimed at growing manufacturing.

Alert West Virginia Legislature Passes Legislation to Lure a Cracker Facility

In ongoing attempts to best position the state to attract an ethane cracker facility to the state, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 4086 which grants substantial tax incentives for large investments of capitol in West Virginia aimed at growing manufacturing. The West Virginia State Senate has now passed this bill as well. The purpose of the bill is to allow certain real or personal property to be assessed at salvage value for the 25 year period following when it was placed in service. Competition between the various Appalachian states is fierce as it is anticipated that one and possibly two cracker facilities will be located in the region to take advantage of the wet gas byproducts being produced in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

Alert PA Court Upholds Right To File Single Assignments Containing Multiple Leases

By opinion dated January 27, 2012, the Honorable Rochelle S. Friedman, Senior Judge, writing for a panel of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court affirmed a decision of the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County requiring Ginger Golden, Recorder of Deeds of Wayne County, "to rescind her policy against recording 'blanket assignments' and to record all documents that are within the scope of Pennsylvania's recording statutes, provided they are properly acknowledged and the appropriate statutory fee has been paid." (A "blanket assignment" would appear to be any single assignment intended to assign multiple leases.) Hopefully, this decision will end the unfortunate practices not only of Ms. Golden but of several other recorders across the Commonwealth who have imposed arbitrary limitations upon the recording of oil and gas lease assignments.

Alert Ohio EPA Finalizes General Air Permit for Oil & Natural Gas Production Wells

On February 1, 2012, Ohio EPA issued a final general air permit for oil and natural gas production well sites. The general permit covers a variety of emissions sources found at most shale gas well sites, including internal combustion engines, generators, dehydration systems, storage tanks and flares. It also contains emissions limits, operating restrictions, monitoring, testing and reporting requirements. The permit only covers operations associated with production; drilling and fracking operations are not regulated by the permit, nor are midstream operations or processing facilities.

Alert PA General Assembly Set to Pass Marcellus Impact Fee Regulations

Earlier today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed measures to govern the extraction of natural gas from the swath of Marcellus shale underlying the state. The plan now moves to the House of Representatives where it is expected to pass a final vote.

Alert Pennsylvania's Act 127: New Pipeline Safety Regulation

Effective February 20, 2012, Act 127, or the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act ("Act" or "Act 127"), expands the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission;s ("PaPUC") jurisdiction over operators who transport gas or hazardous liquids by pipeline or pipeline facility in Pennsylvania by requiring registration and subsequent assessment of costs to all "pipeline operators." A primary focus of Act 127 is to provide the PaPUC with jurisdiction to regulate the safety aspects of non-public utility onshore gathering lines, and hydrocarbon liquid lines.

Alert OH, PA Seek to Tighten Regulation of Shale Gas Production

Ohio's Attorney General Mike DeWine has ordered his office to review and strengthen the state's laws as they pertain to the oil and gas industry. According to comments DeWine made to the Columbus Dispatch newspaper, Ohio is much softer on violators than states like New York and Pennsylvania, which impose per-day civil penalties. Currently, Ohio?s maximum fine for an environmental violation is $2,500 to $20,000 per incident, depending on the nature of the violation. DeWine says that should be raised to at least $10,000 per day.

Alert PA Governor Corbett Signs Marcellus Legislation

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed into law yesterday sweeping measures to govern the extraction of natural gas from the swath of Marcellus shale underlying the state. The Governor's signature caps a three-year struggle in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass meaningful energy regulations and quiets calls for an impact fee on producers.

Alert Corps of Engineers Issues New Nationwide Permits

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has just released its final re-issued Nationwide Permits (NWPs) for 2012 which will include a new NWP applicable for oil and gas pads NWP 39. While these new NWPs have not yet been published in the Federal Register, they are now available on the Corps' website. Click here to see the new NWPs.

Alert PA Supreme Court Narrowly Interprets Preemption in Surface Mining Act

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in a decision which narrowly interprets the preemption provision of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act of November 30, 1971.On November 23, 2011, the Court decided Hoffman Mining Co. v. Zoning Hearing Board. After the effective date of the Surface Mining Act, Adams Township, Cambria County, adopted a Zoning Ordinance which permitted mining in a district known as the Conservancy (S) District only by special exception. The zoning ordinance required ?[a]ll mining, excavating and blasting activities? in the district to maintain a setback of at least 1000 feet from all residential structures.

Alert Regulatory Changes Coming to Oil and Gas Industry in Ohio

Ohio Governor John Kasich announced plans to propose significant statutory and/or regulatory changes to the state's energy policies. The Governor announced in a speech in Cleveland that he is working with lawmakers to prepare legislation to address energy policy generally, including new requirements regarding renewable energy sources.Kasich's announcement comes in the wake of a study claiming that shale drilling will have a dramatic impact on Ohio's economy. Click here to view the study.

Alert OH Court Limits Surface Rights from Mineral Reservation

On January 17, 2012, the Harrison County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas ruled that a 1959 mineral reservation did not authorize the use of a well on the surface of the premises to remove oil and gas located beyond its boundaries. Jewett Sportsmen & Farmers Club, Inc. v. Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C., Case No. CVH-2011-0113.

Alert WVDEP Proposes Stormwater Permit for Oil & Gas Operations

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a draft State General Water Pollution Control Permit proposing to regulate the discharge of stormwater runoff associated with oil and gas construction activities.The proposed Permit would affect discharges from exploration, production, processing, treatment or transmission facilities disturbing one acre of land or greater. The Permit would be issued for a four year term.

Alert Ohio DNR Sets New Brine Transport, Disposal Standards

The new regulatory framework makes Ohio's rules for brine monitoring and disposal among the nation's toughest. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) developed the new regulations after researching a link between a series of seismic events in the Youngstown area and a brine disposal well.The new safeguards include a prohibition against any new wells being drilled into the Precambrian basement rock formation; mandating that operators submit extensive geological data before drilling; and implementation of state-of-the-art pressure and volume monitoring devices including automatic shut-off switches and electronic data recorders.

Alert Shell Selects PA Site for Ethane Cracker

Shell Chemical LP (Shell) announced today that it has selected to evaluate a site in Potter and Center Townships in Beaver County near Monaca, PA for its ethane cracker facility. Sites in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio were considered and officials from each state did their best to sway Shell's decision in their favor. A cracker facility will mean new jobs for the ever growing shale production industry in Appalachia and a boon for the businesses that help support it.

Alert Ohio Governor Kasich's New Budget - How it Impacts the Natural Gas Industry

During a press conference devoted to his Mid-Biennium Budget Review, Ohio Governor John Kasich unveiled several proposals affecting the natural gas industry. Governor Kasich's proposals address a wide range of topics, with the headline item being an income tax reduction of $900 million to $1 billion during the next five years financed in part by an increase in severance taxes on oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production. Several other proposals impacting the oil and natural gas industry were also announced during the press conference. These proposals include updating well construction standards, requiring disclosure of the components of hydraulic fracturing solutions, updating pipeline safety regulations, streamlining permitting procedures, and promoting the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.

Alert Supreme Court Sides with Landowner in EPA Order Challenge

On March 21, 2012, the United States Supreme Court decided Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, No. 10-1062. The Court held that individuals may bring a civil action under Chapter 7 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 704, to challenge an administrative compliance order issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under Section 309 of the Clean Water Act. 33 U.S.C. § 1319.

Alert PA Supreme Court Affirms Good Faith Test of Production in Paying Quantities

On Monday, March 26, 2012, in T.W. Phillips Gas & Oil Co. v. Jedlicka, No. 19 WAP 2009, 2012 Pa. LEXIS 627 (Pa. Mar. 26, 2012), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reaffirmed and expanded its rule in Young v. Forest Oil, 194 Pa. 243, 45 A. 121 (Pa. 1899), that whether an oil and gas lease is producing in paying quantities is to be determined by the subjective good faith judgment of the lessee.

Alert PA Supreme Court Allows Appeal of Butler Case

On April 3, 2012 in Butler v. Charles Powers Estate ex rel. Warren, 760 MAL 2011, 2012 WL 1087928 (Pa. Apr. 3, 2012), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court entered a per curiam order granting an Allowance of Appeal of the decision of the Superior Court in Butler v. Charles Powers Estate, 2011 PA Super 198 (Pa. Super. Ct. Sept. 7, 2011). In Butler, the Superior Court reversed the decision of a Pennsylvania trial court to rely upon longstanding Pennsylvania Supreme Court authority to dismiss a suit claiming that a reservation of "minerals" included a reservation of shale gas. The issue that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear is as follows:

Alert PHMSA Report Notes Progress: Focus Remains Pipeline Safety

Spurred by pipeline incidents in San Bruno, California and Allentown, Pennsylvania that resulted in 22 deaths, the United States Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has focused on improving the safe and reliable delivery of resources through pipelines across the country. The PHMSA called upon the industry to rehabilitate, repair, and improve the quality of pipelines being installed and replaced.

Alert WV DEP Issues Draft State 401 Certifications

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection today issued draft state Section 401 water quality certifications for the newly issued Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits (NWPs). The certifications provide specific terms and conditions for obtaining state water quality certification which is required for an activity approved though a Section 404 Nationwide Permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to its authority under the federal Clean Water Act.

Alert PA Court Delays Act 13's Preemption of Local Zoning Ordinances

On April 11, 2012, a senior judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court entered a preliminary injunction deferring the effective date of the provisions of Pennsylvania's Act 13 of 2012 affecting the authority of local governments to regulate oil and gas operations for an additional 120 days. The injunction was entered in a proceeding brought by various municipalities seeking to have the entire act declared to be invalid. That action continues. Pennsylvania?s Commonwealth Court acts as the court of original jurisdiction, or trial court, for lawsuits filed by or against the Commonwealth, and the intermediate appellate court for appeals from state and local agency and government actions.

Alert Federal Working Group Charged with Oversight of Natural Gas Production

President Obama has issued a new Executive Order requiring a host of federal agencies to coordinate efforts to oversee natural gas development. The new working group will be headed by White House Energy Advisor Heather Zichal, and will include representatives from a dozen federal agencies, including the Departments of the Interior, Transportation and Energy, as well as a representative from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.The order comes as industry criticism of federal agencies continues to increase as duplicative and excessive regulation threaten to stymie a natural gas boom that the President has stated is vital to the security of the nation.

Alert FERC Issues 2011 State of the Market Report

On April 19, 2012, the Office of Enforcement of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its 2011 State of the Markets Report, assessing the progress and status of the natural gas, electric, and other energy markets over the past year.

Alert Land Management Bureau Issues Fracing Regs for Public Lands

The U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released in draft form highly anticipated federal rules which would regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. The BLM, the federal agency with authority over the development of mineral rights on federal lands and a part of the Department of the Interior, expressed three goals it meant to achieve with the drafting of the proposed rule:

Alert PA PUC Issues Order for Unconventional Well Impact Fees

On May 10, 2012, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ("PUC") issued its final implementation order for Chapter 23 of the Unconventional Gas Well Impact Fee Act (Act 13). The PUC has regulatory authority under Chapters 23 and 33 of Act 13; however the ongoing litigation in the Commonwealth Court over Chapter 33 (providing for restrictions on municipal zoning of oil and gas operations) has caused the PUC to delay the implementation of Chapter 33.

Alert PSC Involved in Policy for Providing Water Service to Marcellus Natural Gas Wells for Fracturing

An administrative law judge (ALJ) for the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) recently ruled that a public service district (PSD) violated various state laws and regulations by refusing to provide water service to a natural gas producer (PSC Case No. 11-1514-PWD-C). The ruling was in response to a complaint filed by a natural gas producer alleging that the PSD discriminated against it by agreeing to provide water service only to a competing natural gas producer. The PSD has also been ordered to file a policy for handling future requests for water service to fracture Marcellus natural gas wells.

Alert Ohio General Assembly Enacts Energy Bill

On May 24, 2012, the Ohio General Assembly enacted a comprehensive energy bill (Senate Bill 315) which addresses several provisions affecting the natural gas industry. The legislation has been forwarded to Governor John Kasich who is expected to sign the bill into law without delay. The new provisions will become effective ninety (90) days after the Governor's signature.Highlights of the significant regulatory changes impacting horizontal natural gas and liquid production, include:

Alert PA Commission Denies Public Utility Status to Gathering and Midstream Company

In prior alerts, we addressed developments in the Laser Northeast Gathering Company, LLC ("Laser") proceeding involving Laser's proposal to be a "public utility" with eminent domain authority providing midstream and gathering services to producers. Laser is a precedent-setting proceeding of great interest to landowners, natural gas producers and gathering and midstream companies operating in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's ("PaPUC") orders in Laser are the subject of an appeal. A second proceeding before the PaPUC is now unfolding and will likely also be precedent-setting.

Alert New Ohio Rules Affect Well Construction

May was a busy month for lawmakers in Ohio. Last month, a legislative panel approved new rules for the construction drilling wells in the state, and the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 315 aimed at regulating oil and gas companies. The new regulations come as more and more energy producers migrate to Ohio looking to tap energy reserves in the Utica shale.

Alert WVDEP Issues Draft Horizontal Well State Rule

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has filed its proposed Horizontal Well Development Rule, 35 Code of State Rules, Series 8, with the West Virginia Secretary of State. Filing of the rule was mandated by the passage of House Bill 401 last December which created the Horizontal Well Act, West Virginia Code 22-6A-1, et seq.

Alert Circuit Court Upholds FERC Permit of PA Pipeline - Impact of Shale Gas Development

On June 12, 2012, a three-judge panel of the United States 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that FERC properly approved the 39-mile MARC 1 pipeline through Bradford, Sullivan, and Lycoming counties in Pennsylvania. A coalition of environmental groups and landowners challenged FERC's decision, arguing that FERC did not properly analyze the potential impacts from development of the Marcellus shale natural gas reserves.

Alert OH, PA, TX, WV Ranked Globally in Petroleum Survey

West Virginia ranked tenth, down from sixth in 2011; Ohio ranked 14th, down from second; and Pennsylvania ranked 34th, an improvement from 65th place in 2011 in the sixth annual Fraser Institute Global Petroleum Survey, published by the Canada-based think tank.Out of 147 jurisdictions ranked in the All Inclusive Index, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas and North Dakota took the top four places with the Canadian province of Manitoba rounding out the top five. The Netherlands was ranked sixth, New Mexico and Kansas seventh and eighth respectively and Denmark ninth. Read the complete survey results.

Alert FERC Schedules Regional Conferences on Gas & Electricity Market Coordination

"These standards will establish communication protocols between interstate pipelines and power plant operators and transmission owners and operators. Through this rulemaking, the Commission is seeking to improve coordination between the gas and electric industries in order to limit miscommunications about scheduling of gas-fired generators." Words from a recent proposed rulemaking on the need for gas and electric coordination? No. This statement is from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's ("FERC") October 25, 2006 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Docket Nos. RM96-1 and RM05-5), which resulted in issuance of FERC Order No. 698 on June 25, 2007.

Alert WV Issues Section 401 Water Quality Certification Conditions for Nationwide Permits

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued its Section 401 Water Quality Certification General and Special Conditions for the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Nationwide Permits (NWPs) issued earlier this year pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act for dredge and fill activities in waters of the United States.

Alert PA Court Throws Out Act 13 Provisions

In a 4-3 decision, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court struck down portions of the state's new law dubbed Act 13 - governing Marcellus shale activities as unconstitutional. In their decision, the Court ruled that the restrictions on local zoning violated constitutional due process and thereby nullified those provisions in Act 13.

Alert NIOSH and Fracing

Based on recent presentations by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) one can surmise that the agency is taking a very active interest in hydraulic fracturing (fracing). Silica exposure seems to be the initial target of the agency.

Alert Court Reverses EPA Decision to Aggregate Air Sources from Natural Gas Operations

In an important decision on August 7th related to the aggregation of air emissions in the oil and gas industry, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the United States Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] which would have required Summit Petroleum Corporation to aggregate all air emission sources from various wells, pipelines, and a processing facility located in a 43 square mile area as a single source. The appeals court ruled that the EPA's contention that the company's natural gas sweetening plant and various sour gas production wells which fed into the plant together formed a single source of air emissions was contrary to the plain meaning of the term adjacent.

Alert Water Service to Marcellus Natural Gas Wells for Fracturing - PSC Provides Further Guidance

Earlier this year an administrative law judge (ALJ) for the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) ruled that a public service district (PSD) violated various state laws and regulations by refusing to provide water service to a natural gas producer (PSC Case No. 11-1514-PWD-C). The ruling was in response to a complaint filed by a natural gas producer alleging that the PSD discriminated against it by agreeing to provide water service only to a competing natural gas producer. The ALJ ordered the PSD to file a policy for handling future requests for water service to fracture Marcellus natural gas wells.

Alert Final NSPS for Oil and Gas Industry Published in Federal Register

The final New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for the oil and natural gas sector was published in the Federal Register last week and will become effective on October 15, 2012. The key component of the final rules is a requirement to use 'reduced emissions completion' or 'green completion' to capture natural gas that escapes into the air from wells which are hydraulically fractured. Using green completion, gas and liquid hydrocarbons are separated from the flowback that comes from the well as it is being prepared for production. This approach is expected to yield a nearly 95 percent reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the more than 11,000 new hydraulically fractured gas wells each year.

Alert Clean Air Transport Rule Thrown Out

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit yesterday vacated US EPA?s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, finding that it violates federal law. The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, commonly referred to as CSAPR or the Clean Air Transport Rule, had replaced US EPA?s 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), which was also remanded to EPA in 2008 for various problems.

Alert Opportunities in International Shale Gas Development

In a recent white paper, I have outlined how India has proposed lucrative terms for foreign companies to come into India to help with shale gas development. As gas prices fall domestically, gas demands in countries such as India, China and Japan are at an all time high. The prolific nature of shale gas basins in many countries including India, make the circumstances attractive for foreign investment in those countries.Following are a few key points from the report that I believe will be of interest to energy developers and investors:

Alert Natural Gas Storage Field Boundary Extension vs. Production Interests

Do you produce gas or oil near a gas storage field? Do you intend to do so? Do you have an operating agreement with the storage field operator? What if storage field gas migrates into your production field or strata? What happens if your production operations threaten the integrity of the storage field?

Alert PA Public Utility Commission Releases Impact Fee Data

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its first report on Monday on the impact fees resulting from the state's new Marcellus shale law, dubbed Act 13. The PUC is the agency in charge of collecting and disseminating the fees. According to the PUC, producers have paid a total of $197 million in fees for spud wells retroactive to December 2011-a better than expected outcome. The agency released its totals one week after the September 3 fee payment due date.

Alert District Court Grants Summary Judgment to Mineral Owners Against the U.S. Forest Service

In Minard Run Oil Co. v. United States Forest Serv., C.A. No. 09-125 Erie (W.D. Pa. September 6, 2012), Judge Sean J. McLaughlin of the Western District of Pennsylvania granted summary judgment to plaintiff mineral owners in the ongoing litigation over the Forest Service's attempt to impose a moratorium on new drilling permits in the Allegheny National Forest.

Alert WVDEP Issues Modified Oil and Gas Horizontal Well Rule

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection filed a modified version of 35 CSR, Series 8, the agency's new oil and gas horizontal well legislative rule, with the Secretary of State on September 14, 2012. The modified rule includes a response to comments previously filed by various industry and environmental groups and includes modifications made to the rule in response to those comments.

Alert Steptoe & Johnson Shale Deals Seminar Begins August 22

Steptoe & Johnson Shale Deals Seminar Begins August 22Two-day event geared toward Marcellus, Utica developersMORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Members of the Steptoe & Johnson PLLC energy team will present a two-day seminar for buyers, sellers and financiers of shale reserves in Appalachia. The Acquisition & Disposition of Shale Assets in Appalachia will be held at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV on August 22 and 23, 2012.

Representative Experience

Create and maintain internal manuals and other resources to promote consistency in work product throughout the title practice group
Advised oil and gas exploration and production companies on a variety of issues including: title, leasing, oil and gas ownership, and surface use
Drafted division order title opinions
Performed title work and due diligence review for various oil, gas, and coal acquisitions
Assisted non-profit organization in purchasing surface and mineral rights, obtaining zoning and legislation, obtaining environmental permits, advising on construction-related contracts and obtaining licenses and permits required to operate a $350 million youth development project
Provided training to clients on mine safety issues
Principal outside counsel for a Fortune 500 energy client and affiliates in the transfer of all oil and gas reserves and coalbed methane reserves owned a newly formed oil and gas production company.
Advised coal operator on subsidence rights under common law and Surface Mine Reclamation Act
Experienced advising both lessors and lessees in negotiation and drafting of coal lease documents
Negotiated and drafted purchase and sale agreements and coal leases
Conducting Unitization Hearings before the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Performed due diligence for a Fortune 500 company on a coal divestiture involving over 300,000 acres
Assisted drilling and production companies working to develop the Marcellus shale in surface-use disputes and litigation with surface landowners
Managed abstracting and leasing program for light oil play in various counties in Ohio
Drafted title opinions to aid clients in drilling operations
Performed due diligence and provided assistance related to asset acquisition
Researched title exceptions, obtained releases of right of way interests from utility companies and resolved trespass issues, as well as other property boundary disputes
Performed due diligence projects for mineral acquisitions in Pennsylvania and Ohio by examining title abstracts for title defects along with curative recommendations
Prepared oil, gas, surface and coal title opinions for different energy clients with properties located in various counties within West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio by reviewing title abstracts
Led division order title opinion team preparing complex DOTOs
Directed ten state oil and gas title research project, and sample comment and requirement database creation
Rendered drilling, division order and supplemental title opinions detailing calculations of various types of royalties, working interests and net revenue interests; advising clients on title defects and curative requirements; and summarizing leases and leasehold assignment analysis
Conducted, trained and supervised title review and analysis of federal, state, and privately owned lands for drilling operations by major energy companies
Prepared and reviewed division order title opinions for oil and gas clients
Conducted title abstracting in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio
Prepared and reviewed division order title opinions
Drafted and edited oil and gas title opinions, as well as curative documents pertaining to oil and gas drilling
Conducted oil, gas, coal and mineral title examinations
Prepared oil, gas, coal and mineral title opinions
Represented energy clients in multiple appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, including a case in which the court held that all co-tenants must be joined as plaintiffs in an attempt to invalidate a lease, and a case in which the court held that a natural gas utility had no duty to plaintiffs to re-inspect an appliance after it was red-tagged
Prepared title opinions of all types for operators
Researched official public records detailing ownership of subject lands and engaged in curative work for energy exploration company
Drafted original title opinions and division order title opinions in Texas, Pennsylvania and Colorado
Drafted transactional documents, including seismic use agreements, pooling agreements, and purchase and sale agreements
Drafted drilling title opinions and supplemental opinions relating to Eagle Ford and Haynesville formations
Analyzed documents relating to oil and gas property issues including calculation of royalty interests, overriding royalty interests, and title examinations
Researched legal issues including environmental issues, subsurface easements, salt dome rights, and leasing provisions
Drafted curative documents, including affidavits of nonproduction, use and possession affidavits, and ratification of leases
Prepared drilling title opinions, including drafting of discussions and requirements, to determine ownership
Calculated nonparticipating royalty interests, working interests, net revenue interests, and overriding royalty interests
Performed oil and gas title examinations, rendered title opinions, and advised clients on numerous issues including title defects and curative requirements, lease analysis, and surface mineral and leasehold ownership of state and privately owned lands and roadways
Assisted clients by reviewing abstracts and preparing drilling and division order title opinions
Reviewed leases, operating agreements, farmouts, easements, etc., to determine impact on operations and recommended curative action necessary to clear clouds on title prior to commencing drilling
Prepared title opinions related to oil, gas, coal, and other mineral interests for properties located throughout the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions
Prepared a report for the oil and gas industry on reservations of privately owned oil and gas under the Allegheny National Forest
Reviewed extensive title documentation regarding surface and mineral properties and drafted detailed title opinions explaining complex title issues
Undertook coal, oil, and gas title examinations and drafted the corresponding title opinions to assist a wide variety of clients in acquiring desired property rights
Developed standardized templates and procedures to expedite accurate title examinations
Performed management and document review associated with major title and asset development projects of energy clients
Conducted due diligence mineral title examinations for large oil and gas leasehold acquisitions
Performed senior review of mineral title opinions
Counseled mineral owners and operators about the purchase and sale of assets and property used in operations and mineral development
Local counsel responsible for providing guidance on applicable law and analysis of complex title issues as well as lead counsel on asset due diligence for acquisitions, JV and joint development agreements involving over 1 million net mineral acres in the Appalachian Basin
Provided guidance in developing major title and asset development projects for upstream E&P companies, managing project timelines, budget and delivery goals
Conducted due diligence and closed multiple acquisition of oil and gas interests
Provided policy and implementation guidance for new legislation to clarify notice requirements in connection with development of coalbed methane
Performed due diligence to assist clients in acquiring desired assets
Managed project to complete 300+ title opinions for joint operating venture
Represented clients in the acquisition of oil and gas assets
Litigated complex real estate and mineral ownership cases to allow clients to achieve development goals
Litigated "missing and unknown owners" case to allow client to lease and produce oil and gas
Managed title review and document preparation for energy company acquiring minerals in the Utica and Marcellus shales
Experienced in energy, oil and gas title examinations for energy companies acquiring desired real estate rights
Performed due diligence and title defect curative work
Drafted division order title opinions to assist clients with production and payment issues
Advised exploration and production companies on various oil and gas law issues, including ownership of oil and gas, leasing, unitization, joint operations, DEP and PUC regulation, and local land use regulation
Managed multi-million dollar litigation budget for Fortune 500 coal company
Assisted client with acquisition of multiple coal operations
Represented sellers and buyers in various oil and gas acquisitions, including the corporate sale of one entity worth $3.75 billion
Performed due diligence for multi-million dollar acquisitions of oil and gas assets, involving review of title, property rights, and drafting of necessary curative documents
Represented oil and gas operator in settling class action royalty claims
Prepared transactional documents for multi-million dollar acquisitions of oil and gas assets
Undertook oil and gas title examinations, and drafted the corresponding title opinions to assist a wide variety of clients in acquiring desired property
Resolved disputes and litigation between landowners and operators
Undertook coal, oil and gas title examinations and drafted corresponding title opinions to assist clients in acquiring desired property rights within the Appalachian region
Prepared title and drilling opinions for surface, coal, oil and gas clients
Performed title abstracting in several Pennsylvania counties
Assisted in title due diligence for large-scale asset acquisitions in Ohio
Assisted in the preparation of and drafted a division order title opinion for an oil and gas company
Conducted and reviewed title examinations and prepared title opinion reports on coal, oil, gas and other minerals
Provided legal analysis related to oil and gas title and property holdings in multiple states within the Appalachian region for energy production companies
Performed due diligence in evaluating and determining marketability of clients' assets for energy and mineral transactions
Researched ownership of title and leasehold interests for surface, coal, oil, gas, and other mineral rights
Performed due diligence for transactions of mineral assets, prepared assignments, deeds, and due diligence reports
Negotiated settlement on behalf of oil and gas producer of landowner claims of underpayment of royalties
Oversaw transfer of assets for major energy company
Approved titles for well locations for energy company
Approved titles for CO2 wells for major energy company
Drafted, negotiated and advocated for passage of House Bill 401, Governor Tomblin's Horizontal Well Act, which regulates drilling activities in the Marcellus Shale
Drafted, negotiated and advocated for passage of House Bill 4351, Governor Tomblin's mine safety legislation, which improves mine safety following the Upper Big Branch explosion
Successfully defended Governor Tomblin in the U.S. Supreme Court in a challenge to the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1008, West Virginia's congressional redistricting legislation
Advised international company regarding economic incentive opportunities in West Virginia
Assisted clients with the performance and preparation of mineral title opinions, as well as issues related to surface use or surface damages claims arising from coal, oil and gas operations
Provided title analysis, title review and legal advice on one of the largest US airports for the exploration and production of shale gas underneath its terminals and runways
Appointed by Governor Tomblin to a full six-year term as Trustee on the West Virginia Investment Management Board (WVIMB), the entity that oversees the investment of more than $14 billion in state funds, and named Chairman of the WVIMB's Legal Committee by the Governor
Represented Fortune 500 company as lead transaction counsel on strategic acquisition creating operational value in excess of $1 billion
Acted as local counsel at a lease signing event which aided a major oil and gas production company in the acquisition of more than 80,000 leasehold acres
Worked with joint venture group to acquire various oil and gas rights from both individuals and operators
Performed curative action necessary to clear clouds on title before leasing, drilling or acquiring acreage
Designed process for creating production units and implemented said process in creating units
Performed due diligence prior to acquiring acreage
Prepared and negotiated contracts for production of minerals and related infrastructure
Performed due diligence for several multi-million dollar transactions of mineral assets, including coal, coalbed methane, oil and gas, involving title review, litigation and regulatory risk assessment and title defect curative work
Represented clients in negotiations and litigation related to surface use or surface damages claims arising from coal, oil and gas operations
Drafted and negotiated energy-related and gas transmission-related commercial and transactional agreements
Drafted and reviewed title opinions on coal, oil, gas, mineral and surface ownership of thousands of acres in the Marcellus and Utica Shale footprints
Abstracted oil and gas titles in over 17 counties in Pennsylvania
Prepared lease schedules and performed reviews of oil and gas leases and title opinions involved in potential acquisitions
Worked on site as outside counsel for a Fortune 500 energy company assisting with the drafting and recording of oil and gas fee and leasehold assignments across several states pursuant to an acquisition of assets
Managed all title work in conjunction with aggressive natural gas drilling programs in Kentucky and Virginia
Performed pre-drilling title analysis of business and legal risks associated with each well drilled; made final decision regarding prudence of drilling based on strength of title
Performed due diligence, undertook curative work and prepared transactional documents for multi-million dollar energy transactions to assist clients in development efforts
Performed due diligence and provided risk assessments regarding acquisition, various agreements and potential litigation while determining best course of action
Determined appropriate curative actions and worked closely with surveyors, leasing agents, landmen and outside counsel in resolving title defects
Performed management and document review associated with major title and asset development projects of energy clients
Developed, implemented and managed summer internship program for land department
Researched and represented energy company in matters involving mineral transactions and acquisitions, including performing due diligence and title defect curative work
Significant oil and gas experience as an in-house landman in Appalachia, on and offshore Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, west Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and the Rockies along with limited experience in other domestic areas
Drafted the form Offshore JOA, farmout, oil and gas lease, and free gas instruments used by various independents over the years
Established and managed the Title Department for a large Appalachian independent oil and gas company and directed and overhauled the staffing and procedures for another
Oversaw the approval of title for several hundred proposed horizontal Appalachian shale wells and a few thousand proposed vertical wells
Provided the contract analysis that led to the resolution of a long-standing dispute relative to a major North Slope Alaska oil field which led to its ultimate development
Loaned from one major to another in an effort to negotiate an industry combine to avoid over $60 million in demobe costs for the CIDS in the Beaufort Sea
Founded the Appalachian Super School providing broad based training for land department personnel of a major independent
Handled matters involving mineral transactions and acquisitions, including the coordination and performance of due diligence and title defect curative work to assist clients in development efforts
Experienced in energy, oil and gas title examinations for energy companies acquiring desired real estate rights
Represented both interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline companies in enforcement actions for stormwater discharge during construction activities
Assisted oil and gas producers to determine ownership interests
Prepared oil and gas title opinions for use by multiple clients, by reviewing relevant instruments related to surface, mineral, oil and gas, and leasehold ownership interests in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio
Performed due diligence by assisting senior attorneys in evaluating and determining marketability of client’s assets for energy transactions
Reviewed and analyzed title abstract information provided by both in-house and third party abstractors, noting potential issues or defects in title and setting forth requirements to cure the same
Performed due diligence by assisting senior attorneys in evaluating and determining marketability of client's assets for energy transactions
Drafted general warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds and right of way agreements
Performed title examinations to determine ownership and leasehold interests of oil & gas, coal and surface estates
Lead counsel in several hundred matters before state regulatory agencies
Drafted legislation regarding natural gas operations adopted in several in states in the Appalachian Basin
Advised energy clients regarding legal issues related to operations
Represented various natural gas producers in matters involving royalty disputes and mineral rights
Leads a team that prepares thousands of title opinions per year for major energy companies throughout Appalachia
Researched and analyzed complex federal and state regulatory issues on energy and environmental matters, including federal Clean Water Act permitting issues, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulation of waters (wetlands) of the United States, and state laws regulating the oil and gas industry
Managed certain aspects of due diligence for acquisition of over 20,000 acres of leasehold and fee property targeting the Marcellus formation
Served as in-house counsel for large natural gas transmission company
Sought preliminary and permanent injunctions on behalf of major energy company to prevent interference with rights of way and major gas transmissions lines
Assisted large energy client in review and examination of oil and gas assets in northern West Virginia
Analyzed oil and gas documents to evaluate titles for drilling programs in the Appalachian Basin, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio
Drafted and reviewed oil and gas documents such as deeds, leases, rights of way, pooling declarations, joint operating agreements and farm-in agreements
Managed large abstracting teams in multiple states to assist a major energy client in meeting an extensive drilling plan
Undertook coal, oil, and gas title examinations and drafted the corresponding title opinions to assist a wide variety of clients in acquiring desired property rights
Conducted large-scale due diligence mineral title examinations
Assisted oil and gas client in procuring oil and gas leases from various individuals, entities and organizations
Handled matters involving mineral transactions and acquisitions, including the coordination and performance of title defect curative work
Directed, supervised and assisted in title review, title analysis, business risk analysis, legal analysis, contracts, rights of way, deeds, estate matters, and pooling, for the conventional, coalbed methane and horizontal drilling operations in the Appalachian Basin
Assisted in the preparation of and drafted Division Order Title Opinions for production company by performing due diligence and title defect curative work and calculating divisions of interest
Assisted clients with the preparation of mineral title opinions, as well as issues related to surface use, coal ownership, or surface damages claims arising from coal, oil and gas operations
Provided legal analysis related to oil and gas title and property holdings in Pennsylvania for energy production companies
Supreme Court decisions on duty to develop/protect from drainage and scope of mineral leasehold rights
Defended gas well fracking damage claims
Mass tort claims relating to fluid disposal wells and permit discharges
Class action defense of gas line replacement and burial depth issues
Mining, quarry and water permit appeals
Class action cases on royalty payments
Coordinated and performed conventional and "Marcellus" due diligence for several multi-million dollar oil and gas asset acquisitions
Directed land administration functions and evaluated and implemented land management systems for Appalachian Basin exploration and production companies with lease holdings in excess of three million acres
Organized data room set-up and management of land, financial, and production records for large-scale oil and gas divestitures
Represented coal company in land acquisition for 12-mile overland coal conveyor belt
Former staff landman responsible for negotiating and preparing joint operating agreements, farmout agreements and other land contracts
Represented coal operator placed on potential pattern of violations list
Served as real estate counsel for a number of regional interstate natural gas transmission companies and natural gas distribution companies, as well as for an electric generation and distribution company; responsible for right-of-way and site acquisition, facility purchases and sales, facility and storage leasing, relocations, eminent domain proceedings, and protection and enforcement of land rights, including related litigation
Performed title work and headed permit and environmental due diligence review teams for coal acquisition involving over 100,000 acres of reserves, and prepared related reports as well as deeds, leases, assignments and bills of sale used to close the transaction
Negotiated a $100 million dollar acquisition of a publicly traded entity
Assisted regional oil and gas client in conducting its due diligence and acquisition of the various leasehold estates covering the Marcellus shale being held by production ("HBP") by another oil and gas operator
Performed and supervised others in conducting mineral title examinations; drafted title reports regarding ownership of the coal, oil and gas interests, including division order title opinions
Assisted oil and gas information provider in its acquisition of a competitor by drafting the closing documents (settlement statement and purchase and sales agreement) and consulting agreement relating to retention of the competitor's former owner / IT specialist
Assisted oil and gas client in procuring oil and gas leases from various individuals, entities, and organizations
Performed title examinations and prepared title reports on coal, oil, gas and other minerals
Developed and executed strategies to complete sale of gas operating facilities, gas storage fields, office buildings and fee property for major energy company
Managed staff responsible for multi-million dollar transaction with properties in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Virginia
Performed broad range of general corporate legal services, including environmental compliance, litigation, drafting and negotiating contracts, vendor and procurement issues, construction, and real estate
Researched ownership of title and leasehold interests for surface, coal, oil, gas and other mineral rights
Managed operations and provided legal analysis related to oil and gas title and property holdings in West Virginia and central Pennsylvania for the land resources department of a Fortune 500 energy company
Drafted and reviewed legal documents related to overall operation of energy company's oil and gas holdings
Oversaw oil and gas title projects in Ohio and West Virginia
Represented midstream operators in major litigation
Serves as an arbitrator and as a mediator in energy cases
Performed Appalachian Basin title abstracting of oil, gas and mineral interests and negotiated with landowners to assist clients in building an inventory of leased acreage for the purpose of oil and gas exploration
Represented energy company in acquisition of several thousand acres of oil and gas leasehold interests
Represented energy company in refinancing
Conducted large-scale due diligence mineral title examinations
Managed large abstracting teams in multiple states to assist major energy clients
Represented a natural gas gathering company before the Public Service Commission of West Virginia in a dispute involving an assertion by a natural gas producer that the company's gathering system was subject to regulation as an intrastate pipeline
Negotiated acquisition of pipeline easement
Managed large-scale due diligence project to identify and locate over 1,000 owners of mineral interests
Assisted client with multi-million dollar oil and gas transaction, including performing due diligence and reviewing curative work
Undertook coal, oil, and gas title examinations and drafted the corresponding title opinions to assist a wide variety of clients in acquiring desired property rights
Defended a major natural gas producer from claims that its pipeline should be regulated
Performed title examinations and prepared title reports on coal, oil, and gas and other minerals
Represented interstate natural gas pipelines in rate, technical conference, rulemaking, tariff, service, expansion, abandonment, and construction certificate matters
Developed, implemented and managed a FERC compliance program for interstate natural gas pipelines and public utilities
Managed teams of abstractors in performing mineral and surface title examinations for the purpose of acquiring mineral and leasehold ownership
Performed mineral and surface title examinations for the purpose of acquiring and leasing minerals
$4 million private placement for high technology biometrics company
Represented coal mine operators on fatality investigations by MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, & Training
Drafted agreements between coal operators for composite mine rescue teams
Represented clients in a dispute over family corporation's stock and holdings in land and minerals in western Maryland involving prosecution of civil action seeking declaratory and other relief and involving complex stock redemption, gifting and constructive fraud issues
Closed multiple transactions for acquisition of over 200 oil and gas wells in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, coordinated and performed due diligence for same
Obtained judicial order for client to lease mineral interest of minor pursuant to West Virginia Statute on Lands of Infants
Advised client, and successfully enforced client's right of way to use surface estate for ingress/egress for drilling operations
Assisted gas production company in the sale of oil and gas properties
Responsible for real estate issues in the development and financing of a wind-powered electric generating facility in Grant County, West Virginia. The "wind farm" required leases and easements from more than 40 landowners and financing in excess of $300,000,000.00
Represented a fiber optic cable not-for-profit utility to provide ultra-high speed broadband access to over 50,000 customers
Represented coal companies in dozens of acquisitions of land for mining operations
Assisted clients with the performance and preparation of mineral title opinions, as well as issues related to surface use or surface damages claims arising from coal, oil, and gas operations
Handled matters involving mineral transactions and acquisitions, including the coordination and performance of due diligence and title defect curative work
Represented numerous clients in antitrust investigations by the West Virginia Attorney General, including coal companies in statewide investigation of alleged monopoly pricing
Joint Venture Between Coal Companies. Negotiated and developed joint venture agreement and related documents among major coal producers
Coal Transaction Involving Joint Venture, Development of Coal Properties, And Acquisition Of Assets. Coal transaction involving numerous parties, development and negotiation of coal purchase agreement; options for acquisition of particular equipment; joint venture agreement regarding formation of new company among various parties; negotiation and development of dock and transloading agreements; and guidance of client with respect to corporate compliance and securities matters.
Undertook coal, oil and gas title examinations to assist clients in acquiring desired real estate rights
Provided title insurance and closing support services in a large timber sale affecting approximately 22,000 acres
Managed and coordinated title examinations and numerous additional aspects of due diligence during representation of a mineral client in the large-scale acquisition of approximately 20,000 net acres of mineral interests
Represented mid-sized oil and gas operator in administering its drilling programs, including performing title examinations, rendering title opinions, and curing title defects
Represented energy company in the acquisition of several hundred oil and gas wells
Assisted energy company in preparation for coal bed methane well projects and advised on title matters as well as permitting and pooling issues
Represented international industrial chemical manufacturer in negotiations with national construction firm
Represented regional and national entities in the purchase and sale of mineral properties including producing coal properties and oil and gas leaseholds and producing wells
Researched titles of coal, oil and gas clients to determine ownership interests
Represented a publicly traded entity in the sale of volumetric production payments from future production of gas wells owned by it
Routinely counsels and advises clients on environmental and other regulatory requirements
Represented a large energy company in connection with the transfer of its oil, natural gas and coal bed methane assets and reserves located in several states to a subsidiary entity, and assisted the subsidiary in raising invested capital
Negotiated the disposition of thousands of acres of coal and surface properties owned by a national conservation organization in Ohio and Illinois, and assisted the client organization in converting donated assets into funds for its conservation projects
Counseled lenders to coal mining and natural gas production enterprises, enabling the lenders to better understand the risks involved in financing mining operations, as well as the remedies available to mitigate those risks

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Susan S. Brewer CEO

"We believe that trusting relationships are essential to achieving client goals, but don't take my word for it, ask one of our clients.

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Face-to-Face Client Interviews

25+ face-to-face client interviews are conducted every year by our CEO and firm management to learn how we can do better (so please give us an earful).

Leaders in our Field

22 of us are ranked as “Leaders in their Field” by Chambers USA.

One Firm

Ours is a client-of-the-firm culture, service model and compensation system that matches the best talent to the assignment and puts your economic interest ahead of ours.

Leaders in our Field

Steptoe & Johnson was the first firm to successfully secure regulatory approval for a multi-lateral Utica shale well.

10.5 Years

equals the average tenure of our client relationship. We'd like to be in it for the long haul with you too.

14 Offices Throughout the U.S.

14 offices throughout Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.

Top 5 ReasonsTo Choose Steptoe & Johnson
Relationshipsthat prove we're in it together. You need a willing partner who understands that something always true
Communicationisn't just about giving advice, but is really about active listening and proactive thinking.
Budgeting & Staffingwell, need we say more? But our workflow efficiency depends on our
Know-Howhow much we understand your business and share insights to deliver superior
Resultstailored to meet your needs. At Steptoe & Johnson, we belive if we do these things well, we'll deliver value in all we do.

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Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

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187 Team Members

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Susan S. Brewer CEO

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Energy

Energy

187 Team Members

Know How

Representative Experience

Related Happenings

Pages

Susan S. Brewer CEO

Did you know?