This morning, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) filed a proposed interpretive rule (the “Interpretive Rule”) with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office implementing, in part, the recent...more
On Saturday evening, March 8, after intense work and consideration of perhaps 100 or more amendments, the West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 373 ("SB 373"), which establishes sweeping new regulatory programs that...more
Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC was very active during the West Virginia Legislative session on behalf of the natural gas industry regarding interest in the above referenced bill that was introduced in reaction to a chemical...more
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) released its report to the West Virginia Legislature in May on the study of “noise, light, dust and volatile organic compounds generated by the drilling of...more
In This Issue:
- Legislative Update: Pa. Passes Oil & Gas Lease Act:
On July 9, 2013, Governor Corbett signed the Oil and Gas Lease Act, Senate Bill No. 259 of 2013 (the"Act"), which amends Pennsylvania's...more
On April 12, 2013, the West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 243 which contained, among other West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) rules, the Rules Governing Horizontal Well Development 35-8...more
In This Issue:
- Finally -- Rules Governing W.Va. Horizontal Well Development
- N.Y. Appellate Court: Municipalities Can Ban O&G Activity
- Fracking Nearly Doubles Ohio Oil & Natural Gas Output
- Excerpt...more
The County Commission in Doddridge County, West Virginia is currently considering amendments to its Floodplain Ordinance as a result of a December 17, 2012 decision by the Circuit Court of Doddridge County. (Comments to the...more
In This Issue:
- W.Va. Legislative Update
- Pipeline Expansion Means Abundant Natural Gas for N.C.
- E&P Companies Join Forces with Environmentalists & Philanthropists
- Useful Resource: Ohio Utica Shale...more
In continuing our commitment to best serve our clients, we have been closely monitoring legislative changes in West Virginia that may affect the shale gas industry in the state. This update covers a new rule affecting...more
Although only tangentially related to oil and gas operations, the recent pipeline rupture and resulting fire near Charleston, West Virginia highlights the importance of safety inspections and the costs incurred when accidents...more