The Energy Law Blog

AUGUST 29, 2014

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE’s) Investigations and Review Unit (IRU) substantially enhances the civil and criminal enforcement of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the regulations issued thereunder. Background In 2010, in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Department of Interior renamed the Minerals Management Service (MMS) the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE).

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Green Bang

APRIL 25, 2014

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) plans to offer a short continuing education course titled “Beyond Smart Cities” this June. The course, according to MIT, will focus on “understanding the complexities of cities through the use of Big Data Urban Analytics and the design of New Urban Systems for high-density cities such as systems for mobility, energy, food, and living/working.” Aimed at urban planners, entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors, the course

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Vermont Law

DECEMBER 1, 2014

Summary: In 2016, the Chinese government plans to launch a national market for carbon permit trading. In preparation for this national system, the government rolled out seven test markets, which saw varying degrees of compliance. Overall, there have been no reductions in carbon emissions. But, the system is not doomed. There are several reasons for this poor performance, and once the Chinese government recognizes them and implements a variety of solutions, there is no reason why a carbon emissio

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Law Columbia

JANUARY 6, 2014

On June 25, 2013, President Obama delivered a major speech on the topic of climate change. In it he outlined a broad policy agenda aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the changing climate. The agenda, detailed in The President’s Climate Action Plan , relies almost entirely upon executive powers; Congress is not even mentioned in the text. The diverse policy initiatives taking place under the rubric of the six-month-old Climate Action Plan are complex in their design, potentially signific

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Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets.

2024

New Scientist

DECEMBER 16, 2014

What happens if you try to get mashed on potatoes and sauced on sauce?

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Green Bang

APRIL 25, 2014

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) plans to offer a short continuing education course titled “Beyond Smart Cities” this June. The course, according to MIT, will focus on “understanding the complexities of cities through the use of Big Data Urban Analytics and the design of New Urban Systems for high-density cities such as systems for mobility, energy, food, and living/working.” Aimed at urban planners, entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors, the course

Technology 52

Technology Technology 52

Green Bang

APRIL 11, 2014

Xerox is aiming to expand its e-discovery capabilities with its recent acquisition of Smart Data Consulting. Smart Data provides a software platform for corporate legal departments and law firms. The software is designed to reduce costs and save time by managing e-discovery tasks and analytics more quickly and efficiently. Those tasks include collection, processing, early case assessment, reviews and production.

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Green Bang

APRIL 11, 2014

The quest for smart urban design is rapidly gaining momentum in the Middle East, according to one designer who spoke at this past week’s Arab Future Cities Summit. “We’re now seeing a strong appetite for world class urban development in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and it is approaching the right level of maturity for us to reach a crucial tipping point,” said Matthew Tribe, a design director with the consulting firm Atkins. “As clients really start to appreciate th

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Green Bang

APRIL 11, 2014

Xerox is aiming to expand its e-discovery capabilities with its recent acquisition of Smart Data Consulting. Smart Data provides a software platform for corporate legal departments and law firms. The software is designed to reduce costs and save time by managing e-discovery tasks and analytics more quickly and efficiently. Those tasks include collection, processing, early case assessment, reviews and production.

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Green Bang

APRIL 3, 2014

London taxi drivers are joining a campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of city air pollution. The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) is backing the campaign, led by Clean Air in London. “Our members spend long periods of every day exposed to some of the most polluted air in Europe and would welcome any and every opportunity to clean up what is effectively their office,” said Steve Mcnamara, general secretary of the LTDA. “We urge the mayor and Transport fo

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Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

Clean Energy

Green Bang

APRIL 3, 2014

The market for smart-building technologies is expected to triple between now and 2018, according to a new report from IDC Energy Insights. The “Global Smart Buildings Forecast 2013-2018” predicts that spending in the sector will grow from $7.3 billion in 2014 to $21.9 billion in 2018. The predicted rapid expansion follows several years of slower-than-expected growth for the market, according to IDC. “As businesses recover following the ‘Great Recession,’ building ow

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Green Bang

APRIL 3, 2014

London taxi drivers are joining a campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of city air pollution. The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) is backing the campaign, led by Clean Air in London. “Our members spend long periods of every day exposed to some of the most polluted air in Europe and would welcome any and every opportunity to clean up what is effectively their office,” said Steve Mcnamara, general secretary of the LTDA. “We urge the mayor and Transport fo

Air Pollution 52

Air Pollution 2013 Electricity 52

Green Bang

APRIL 3, 2014

The market for smart-building technologies is expected to triple between now and 2018, according to a new report from IDC Energy Insights. The “Global Smart Buildings Forecast 2013-2018” predicts that spending in the sector will grow from $7.3 billion in 2014 to $21.9 billion in 2018. The predicted rapid expansion follows several years of slower-than-expected growth for the market, according to IDC. “As businesses recover following the ‘Great Recession,’ building ow

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2018 2013 2014 Technology 52

Green Bang

MARCH 27, 2014

Some of the world’s biggest technology companies have come together to “break down the barriers” standing in the way of the internet of things. The founding members of the new Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) include AT&T, Cisco, GE, IBM and Intel. The open membership organization will focus on eliminating “technology silos to support better access to big data with improved integration of the physical and digital worlds,” according to an announcement from IB

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Technology Technology 52

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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Green Bang

MARCH 27, 2014

The IEEE professional organization aims to make its “ brain trust” of technology experts available to city leaders who want to develop smarter, more sustainable communities. The IEEE’s Smart Cities Initiative aims to work with 10 cities in both developed and developing countries between now and 2016. “Designing successful and sustainable smart cities requires careful planning about citizens’ energy, water, transportation, communications and public health and safety,

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Green Bang

MARCH 27, 2014

Some of the world’s biggest technology companies have come together to “break down the barriers” standing in the way of the internet of things. The founding members of the new Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) include AT&T, Cisco, GE, IBM and Intel. The open membership organization will focus on eliminating “technology silos to support better access to big data with improved integration of the physical and digital worlds,” according to an announcement from IB

Technology 52

Technology Technology 52

Green Bang

MARCH 27, 2014

The IEEE professional organization aims to make its “ brain trust” of technology experts available to city leaders who want to develop smarter, more sustainable communities. The IEEE’s Smart Cities Initiative aims to work with 10 cities in both developed and developing countries between now and 2016. “Designing successful and sustainable smart cities requires careful planning about citizens’ energy, water, transportation, communications and public health and safety,

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Green Bang

MARCH 20, 2014

A new lab in London is aimed at helping university and industry researchers work together to develop “the next generation of smart-city infrastructure.” The London Node, based at Imperial College London’s Imperial West campus, will “support innovation throughout Europe for economic growth and to improve quality of life,” said Willem Jonker, chief executive of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’s (EIT) ICT Labs. “London will be a key pa

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Technology Technology 52

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Sustainable Development

Green Bang

MARCH 20, 2014

A new lab in London is aimed at helping university and industry researchers work together to develop “the next generation of smart-city infrastructure.” The London Node, based at Imperial College London’s Imperial West campus, will “support innovation throughout Europe for economic growth and to improve quality of life,” said Willem Jonker, chief executive of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’s (EIT) ICT Labs. “London will be a key pa

Technology 52

Technology Technology 52

Vermont Law

NOVEMBER 16, 2014

Summary: The city of Toledo, Ohio issued a water ban on August 2–3, 2014 after a local treatment plant found unsafe levels of microcystin, a type of harmful algal bloom known to cause health defects and even death when ingested. Due to the amount of unregulated agriculture in Ohio, phosphorus and other nutrients that runoff into Lake Erie create these algal blooms.

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The Energy Law Blog

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Recently, when there was talk about Houston-based ATP Oil and Gas’ (ATP) legal problems, it was inevitably about its bankruptcy and its effort to bring the overriding royalty interests it had conveyed back into the bankrupt estate as debt instruments. That should change now that the Department of Justice (DOJ), acting jointly on behalf of EPA and BSEE, has announced its settlement with ATP Infrastructure Partners (ATP-IP) in the first joint judicial enforcement action resolving alleged violation

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Vermont Law

OCTOBER 20, 2014

Summary: A glimmer of (false) hope for public trust plaintiffs. The Alaska Supreme Court suggested Alaskans might have a right to atmosphere, but declined to provide a remedy. Adam Murray, of the U.W. Arctic Law & Policy Institute, explains why. _. By Adam Patrick Murray. Atmospheric public trust plaintiffs are running out of options. The public trust doctrine usually includes state obligations to manage submerged lands and navigable waters for a public purpose. [1].

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The Energy Law Blog

OCTOBER 16, 2014

As if crude producers and midstream transportation companies don’t already have enough problems trying to get crude oil from production fields to refineries thanks to inadequate pipeline infrastructure, tank car supply, rail safety concerns, and new regulations, they now also have to address a new, potentially market-busting lawsuit. In September, the Sierra Club, one of the largest environmental organizations in the United States, filed a lawsuit seeking an immediate ban on the transportation o

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The Energy Law Blog

OCTOBER 6, 2014

In early November, the Texas Federal Tax Institute will host the TexFed: Oil & Gas Tax Conference in New York City. This is the first time a conference of this nature will be held in the Big Apple, and I am honored to participate as a member of a panel that will explore farmout transactions, joint operating agreements and the use of tax partnerships to optimize the after-tax economics of these transactions.

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Vermont Law

OCTOBER 6, 2014

Summary: Though the U.S. Constitution does not have an explicit right to a safe environment, many commonwealths, including Puerto Rico, do. For decades natural resources on the Island of Enchantment have been threatened. As a result, legislation has been enacted in order to protect the environment for future generations. The proposed Puerto Rican Model Forest Act attempts to mediate the conflict between humans and nature. _.

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Vermont Law

SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Summary: Thanks to the Wilderness Act, nearly 110 million acres across the United States are forever protected in their naturally pristine state. This month, the Wilderness Act celebrates its 50. th. anniversary. Considered to be the highest degree of land protection, “wilderness areas” demonstrate an enduring commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

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Vermont Law

SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Summary: Allen Smith, a rising 3L at Vermont Law School, spent the summer in Rhode Island working on climate change policy in both the Statehouse and the Department of Environmental Management. While not only seeing a Climate Bill signed into law, but also being an active part of the implementation process with various state agencies, Smith describes what it was like to work with state officials on a daily basis and the rewarding nature of environmental policy work. _.

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Vermont Law

AUGUST 25, 2014

Summary: The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) highly controversial proposed rule would establish baseline environmental safeguards for the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas on federal and Indian mineral lands. Although BLM’s proposed rule is a good first step in creating a uniform federal scheme for regulating hydraulic fracturing, after about a year of sifting through public comments, BLM has yet to publish a final rule. _.

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Vermont Law

JULY 28, 2014

Summary: The country of Haiti does not have a history of effective environmental regulation and this has continued after the devastating 2010 earthquake due to a lack of political and economic infrastructure. Deforestation, air and water pollution, and lack of sanitation systems have led to public health problems and resource scarcity. However, by internalizing the role of environmental law and grassroots efforts, there is a hope of success for Haiti’s continued reconstruction and long-term dev

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Vermont Law

JULY 14, 2014

Summary: While many of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions this term were controversial, the air quality cases were marked victories for the environment. One of the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, EME Homer City Generation v. EPA. , upheld the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, (CSAPR). By reinstating CSAPR, the Court sustained EPA’s efforts to improve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) program and the overall efficacy of the Clean Air Act (CAA). _.

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Vermont Law

JUNE 30, 2014

Summary: Last week the Supreme Court handed down its second Clean Air Act case of the term, Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA. This plain English guide to the Supreme Court’s opinion summarizes its three holdings, split 5-4, 5-4, and 7-2. It also assesses implications for EPA, business, and industry. _. By . Christopher D. Ahlers. Assistant Professor, Vermont Law School. 1.

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The Energy Law Blog

JUNE 24, 2014

On June 20, 2014, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled in Key Operating & Equipment, Inc. v. Hegar (PDF) that a mineral lessee in a pooled oil and gas unit has the right to use the entire surface of the pooled acreage, regardless of the location of the producing well or whether actual production from beneath the accessed surface can be proven. Key Operating is a significant, though not surprising, victory for the Texas oil and gas industry.

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Vermont Law

JUNE 16, 2014

Summary: President Obama recently declared the Organs Mountain-Desert Peaks as a national monument only months after the House of Representatives passed a bill that would curtail his authority to do so under the Antiquities Act. In order to appease critics of broad executive authority, President Obama must use the Antiquities Act in a manner that does more for local communities than simply place nearby public lands under increased federal regulation. _.

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