Groups challenge oil and gas leases 

When a property has a valuable natural resource, the property owner often wants to benefit from this discovery. These resources — particularly energy resources — are often very valuable for property owners. Oil, gas and energy laws are in place in order to help property owners protect their rights and maximize the benefits from their property. These laws also look to protect environment interests and governmental rights.

Recently, environmental groups have disputed the federal government’s leases of land in Alaska. These groups claim that environmental study that looked at the impact of oil drilling in Alaska was flawed. They claim that the environmental study examined the impact of drilling a much smaller amount of oil than is expected to be found. In the suit, they hope to stop the exploratory drilling in the area.

This drilling is the result of leases that were sold by the federal government in 2008. The leases were sold to Shell for $2.7 billion. Since the leases were made, the company has spent an additional $7 billion preparing for exploratory drilling.

Legal recourse may be available when property owners feel like they are not able to freely use their property. It is important that property owners understand how oil, gas and energy laws effect their property rights.

Additionally, when natural resources are found on the property, other legal technicalities may need to be addressed. In this case, leases were sold from one from the property owner to another. Leases are complicated legal documents that the property owners need to understand. When a property owner is considering leasing energy rights to their property, they should understand how to accomplish this task and what it means for their property rights.

Star Tribune, “Environmental groups announce intent to again challenge 2008 Arctic offshore lease sale,” Dan Joling, June 1, 2015

Image Source: The Guardian