Recently introduced legislation in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly proposes to create new statutory requirements for the release of terminated or cancelled oil or natural gas leases of record. If enacted, House Bill 402 would require lessees under oil or natural gas leases to deliver releases in recordable form to landowners at least 30 days prior to the termination or cancellation of such lease.
Continue Reading Pennsylvania General Assembly to Consider Requirements for Releases of Record by Oil and Natural Gas Lessees

An injunction in Robinson Township v. Pa PUC on April 11 and a federal Executive Order on April 13 raise the question of which government ought to be the primary regulator of new natural gas development. David Mandelbaum’s Pennsylvania Law Weekly column, Preemption and Natural Gas Development: Who is the Decider?, 35 PLW 404 (May 1, 2012), explores the issue.

Continue Reading Preemption and Natural Gas Development: Who is the Decider?