Oil & Gas Regulation Compliance / State

Represented various energy companies in the creation of drilling and production units across the State of Louisiana, including the establishment of reservoir wide units and secondary recovery projects, along with obtaining approval of alternate unit wells and cross unit alternate unit wells.

From 1978 to 2001, performed all of the legal services required by the Operator of the Dolet Hills Lignite Mine. The Dolet Hills Mine is Louisiana’s first commercial lignite surface mine, encompassing over 30,000 acres in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. Mr. Murchison also handled all regulatory matters for the Mine with the Louisiana Office of Conservation, including the revision of the LOC’s mining regulations in 1986 and all matters related to the maintenance of lignite leases under which mining operations were conducted.

Representation of an independent oil and gas exploration company in its successful application to the Louisiana Office of Conservation (“LOC”) to change the previously approved “unit operator” of a 640 acre “Haynesville Shale” natural gas drilling and production unit situated in Northwest Louisiana.

Represented various operators before the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board on royalty disputes, lease extensions, and operating agreement negotiations. 

Represented natural gas storage operator in Louisiana Office of Conservation Proceedings relating to production of storage gas by adjacent operators. 

Represent intrastate pipeline companies before the Office of Conservation – Pipeline Division in various administrative hearings on acquisition, operation, and abandonment of pipelines. Frequently consult with Pipeline Division on behalf of intrastate pipeline companies on Louisiana regulations.

Represented oilfield service companies before Public Service Commission on applications to transport non-hazardous oilfield waste.

Represented nationwide pipeline operator in application with Louisiana Department of Natural Resources – Office of Coastal Management on coastal use permit for construction of a pipeline.

Represented clients before the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in response to significant enforcement actions including matters relating to air, water, solid waste, and hazardous waste.

Represented oil and gas industry clients before various local governmental entities in the negotiation of acceptable ordinances and regulations including pipeline right-of-way and construction permit agreements, noise ordinances, and road repair ordinances.

Successfully represented a large natural gas producer in negotiations with the State of Louisiana after a State audit challenging deduction of gathering fees from state royalties under the terms of certain state leases.