A proposed rule from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources regarding the venting and flaring of natural gas is making its way through the rulemaking process.
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2023 Master Plan Brings Updates to Coastal Research and Projects
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) recently released its 2023 draft Coastal Master Plan, which is required by law to be updated every six years. The most recent draft is the fourth update since it was first adopted by the Louisiana Legislature in 2007 following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.[1]
LNG Facilities Facing Environmental Challenges
A petition filed on July 19 by Sierra Club and Healthy Gulf seeks review of a “dredge and fill” permit granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Driftwood LNG – a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal under construction near Lake Charles. The permit was issued under the Clean Water Act in March
Public Comment Period Extended for GOM Wind Energy Areas and Draft Environmental Assessment
In response to multiple requests from stakeholders and interested parties during the third Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management agreed to extend the public comment periods for the two potential wind energy areas (WEAs) and the draft Environmental Assessment (EA). Both 30-day comment periods
BOEM Overview of Proposed Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Areas and Draft Environmental Assessment
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) held its third Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting on July 27, 2022 (3rd Meeting). The first two meetings were held on June 15, 2021, and February 2, 2022, respectively. The primary purpose of this meeting was to present the preliminary
SEC’s Proposed Rules on Climate-Related Disclosures
The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed – by a 3-1 vote – a comprehensive new set of rules (the “proposals”) in an effort to enhance and standardize the climate-related disclosures provided by public companies.[1] According to SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the proposals come in the wake of increasing investor demand for more
Solar Leasing in Louisiana: Act 301 and Decommissioning Requirements
As the number of solar projects continues to grow in Louisiana, a chief concern among Louisiana taxpayers is ensuring that these projects are properly decommissioning upon their abandonment. Solar development is largely in its infancy in Louisiana, with only a handful of projects having been constructed to date. However, lawmakers are acting now to ensure
Louisiana’s Future in Offshore Wind: Takeaways from Louisiana Wind Week
Last week, the Louisiana Governor’s Office hosted Louisiana Wind Week 2021 to assess Louisiana’s future in offshore wind energy development. Louisiana Wind Week followed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)’s first Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting, which was held on June 15.
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Solar Leasing in Louisiana: The Accommodation Doctrine
Perhaps the most important right granted in a solar development agreement is the right of the solar developer to use the surface of the property to evaluate, construct, and operate the solar farm. But how can the solar developer ensure that its right to use the surface of the property is not encumbered by or inferior to the rights of others? Or, more specifically, how can the solar developer ensure that a mineral estate owner will not be able to locate a well in the middle of its solar farm? This issue is at the forefront of the minds of the renewables industry and was the subject of a recent Texas Court of Appeals decision. As renewable energy projects continue to multiply, clashes between solar developers and mineral interest owners will increase as well.
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Survey of Proposed Legislation Across the States Affecting the Energy Industry in 2021
Several pieces of energy-industry legislation are teed up for debate as state legislatures reconvene for their first sessions of 2021. With topics ranging from offshore oil and gas moratoriums to restrictions on natural gas flaring and venting, the following is an overview of notable energy legislation to be heard in state legislatures this year.
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