House and Senate Leadership Unveil Oil Spill Bills

With more than 40 hearings and multiple Committee mark-ups completed since the April 20, 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon mobile offshore drilling unit in the Gulf of Mexico, Congressional leaders this week detailed their plans for reforming the regulation of oil and gas production on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Congress Passes Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Overhauling Regulation of Over-the-Counter Derivatives in Energy and Other Commodities

On July 15, 2010, the United States Senate passed the conference report on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act by a 60 to 38 vote. This week, the President is expected to sign the financial reform bill into law. Among the many issues addressed in the Dodd-Frank Act, the most important to the energy industry are new regulations impacting the trading of over-the-counter derivatives in energy and energy-related commodities such as oil, natural gas, electricity, greenhouse gas offset credits, emission allowances, and renewable energy and energy efficiency credits.

EPA Proposes New Interstate Transport Rule and Previews Upcoming Regulatory Agenda

On July 6, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require a significant reduction in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants in 31 states located in the Eastern half of the United States. The proposed rule, referred to as the “Transport Rule,” is intended to replace the 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule.

PHMSA Issues Advisory Bulletin Requiring Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Operators to Review Oil Spill Response Plans by July 28, 2010

In response to the ongoing Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the diversion of resources from across the Nation to the areas affected by the spill, on June 28, 2010, the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an Advisory Bulletin reminding operators of onshore hazardous liquid pipeline facilities of the requirement to review and update mandatory oil spill response plans to ensure the necessary response to a properly calculated “worst case discharge.”

PHMSA Proposes to Apply Pipeline Safety Requirements to Low-Stress Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

On June 22, 2010, the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would amend existing pipeline safety regulations to make them applicable to all low-stress hazardous liquid pipelines.

The Intersection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Energy Companies: An Uncertain Crossroad

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act was enacted in 1918 to implement a 1916 treaty signed between the United States and Great Britain to protect migratory birds. Although the statute appears largely to be directed at hunters, it has been used to impose strict, misdemeanor liability on energy companies and has had repercussions on energy companies that intend to build new infrastructure.

Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Regulation

U.S. Climate Change Policy Will Drive Significant Investment Opportunities in Traditional and Alternative Energy

A new President and the likelihood of more Democrats in the House and Senate may tip the balance of power in energy debates from traditional oil and gas interests to proponents of new energy sources and cleantech goods and services. While we watch the election unfold, and as the rhetorical battles over energy policy continue in Washington, D.C., climate change legislation looms largest of all the energy debates.

LNG: FERC Asserts Control

To guarantee the continued growth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) importation and use in the United States, the energy industry needs to pay close attention to govern the regulation, siting, and operation of LNG import terminals—issues traditionally overseen by the federal government. States may have a number of reasons for wanting to establish oversight authority over LNG import terminals, but these efforts, no matter how well intentioned, would have the impact of curtailing the development of LNG facilities at a time when the United States is in urgent need of new sources of natural gas.

Law Seminars International: 12th Annual Conference on Energy in California

Doug Smith and Vincenzo Franco are speaking at this event.

American Gas Association's Legal Forum

Lisa Epifani is speaking at this event. Susan Olenchuk, Rich Bonnifield, and Paul Korman are attending. Van Ness Feldman is a Gold Patron sponsor.

Practical Regulatory Training for the Natural Gas Interstate Pipeline Industry

Susan Olenchuk and Greg Junge are speaking at the event.

The Energy Bar Association: 64th Annual Meeting & Primer

Rich Bonnifield, Doug Smith and Lisa Epifani are speaking at this event.

Environmental Markets Summit

Kyle Danish is speaking at this event.