Widely anticipated on both sides of the aisle, on May 12, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released final regulations to curb emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds (“VOC”) from additional new, modified, and reconstructed sources in the
Mineral Law
Insight and Information on the Oil, Gas, Pipeline, & Mining Industries
The Mineral Law blog published by Stoel Rives LLP focuses on legal issues related to mineral extraction and development, including regulatory compliance, permitting processes, and legislative developments affecting mining operations. It covers federal and state policies impacting mineral production, such as executive orders aimed at expediting permitting for critical mineral projects and tax legislation relevant to resource industries. The blog also addresses environmental and safety regulations, labor and employment matters within mining contexts, and the intersection of mineral law with energy and infrastructure projects. It provides updates on legal challenges, administrative rulings, and industry trends that influence mineral law practice and resource development strategies.
Latest from Mineral Law - Page 8
Environmentalists Sue EPA to Force Update of Drilling Waste Regulations
On May 4, 2016, a coalition of environmental organizations (“Plaintiffs”) filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection (“EPA”) in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to compel the EPA to promulgate revised regulations and guidelines for the disposal,…
Colorado Court Strikes Down Local Fracking Bans that Conflict with State Law
On May 2, 2016, the Colorado Supreme Court issued opinions in two separate cases challenging local bans on hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). A win for the oil and gas industry in the state, the Supreme Court held that the challenged fracking…
Why California’s New Groundwater Management Law is a Game Changer for Mine Operators
By Tom Henry & Wes Miliband
Ready or not, California’s new Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“SGMA”) is here and mine operators should be vigilant in monitoring and actively participating in developments under the law. Previously, the use of groundwater was largely unregulated. Now local agencies are…
BLM Fights Back Against Activists’ Criticisms of CA Resource Management Plan
By Mike Mills & Eric Skanchy
The Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) recently filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in a lawsuit brought by a coalition of environmental activists who have challenged the BLM’s Resource Management Plan (“RMP”) for public lands and minerals in California managed…
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Seeks Input on Mining Regulations – Comments Due 4/29/16
The Alaska DNR is requesting public comments on its mining regulations for establishing and maintaining mining claims – 11 AAC Chapter 86. These regulations (as well as related regulations at 11 AAC 82 and 11 AAC 88) establish or address many of…
Proposed Rules Coming Down the Pipeline for Gas Gathering and Transmission Lines
By Mike Mills & Eric Skanchy
In one of the most sweeping proposals since the creation of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”), the agency has announced proposed regulations to update requirements relating to gas gathering and transmission lines. We find that there are…
Minerals – Building Blocks for Energy Resources
By Mike Mills & Eric Skanchy
Minerals are part of virtually all the products we use every day, acting as the raw materials for manufacturing processes or as the end products themselves. Not surprisingly, minerals also are used in the energy generation that we rely on…
Financial Assurance Requirements are on the Horizon for Hard Rock Miners
By Mike Mills & Tom Henry
On January 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) to finalize the long-awaited “financial assurance” regulations under section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act…
BLM Proposes “Commonsense” Rule to Limit Methane Emissions from Oil & Gas Operations
On Friday, January 22, 2016 the federal Department of the Interior’s (“DOI”) Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) issued a proposed rule on reducing waste and methane emissions in oil and gas operations. The rule would limit oil and gas flaring,…