From K.B. Battaglini of GT Houston:

 

 In what appears to be a reaction to recent New York Times articles asserting that some Marcellus Shale gas companies were overbooking their natural gas reserves, the Securities and Exchange Commission is issuing subpoenas to investigate the accuracy of financial statements.  New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey asked the SEC to investigate the issue following publication of the assertions in the New York Times, which questioned how gas companies calculate and publicly disclose performance of shale gas wells.  Hinchey wants the SEC to consider updating its oil and gas reserve reporting requirements to provide greater disclosure to investors and the public, and proposed that financial statements be subjected to third-party audits.  However, financial statements are now widely subjected to independent audits, and Arthur Brisbane, public editor of the New York Times, has cast considerable doubt on the source material for the articles, describing them as having "serious shortcomings."  The conclusions reached in the article have also been challenged by a number of sources, including a M.I.T. Study Group and a UBS Investment Analyst.  The SEC has not announced whether it will continue issuing subpoenas.

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Photo of Caleb Holmes Caleb Holmes

Caleb’s practice focuses on complex environmental litigation and environmental compliance. Caleb has represented clients in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. In his environmental litigation practice, Caleb often represents corporate clients in cost recovery, contribution and government enforcement actions under Comprehensive

Caleb’s practice focuses on complex environmental litigation and environmental compliance. Caleb has represented clients in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. In his environmental litigation practice, Caleb often represents corporate clients in cost recovery, contribution and government enforcement actions under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Caleb has litigated such matters through trial and has also helped clients negotiate and settle matters. He has worked with clients on cases involving a wide variety of contaminants, including but not limited to PCBs, PFAS, and dioxins. Caleb also has broad experience litigating complex commercial litigation, including products liability and mass tort/toxic tort matters. He has a depth of experience with all aspects of discovery, including work with experts, taking and defending depositions, motion practice, trial preparation and settlement negotiation.

Caleb provides practical advice to clients in the acquisition and disposition of businesses and assets and the re-development of brownfield sites. He works with clients to achieve compliance with state-specific voluntary cleanup programs, including Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Program (Act 2).

Caleb counsels clients on compliance with a broad range of federal and state environmental laws, including RCRA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and a host of other federal and state environmental laws.

In addition to his legal work, Caleb is active in various professional and civic organizations. He is currently serving as the Council’s Secretary for the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Environmental and Energy Law Section.