USGS Estimates Size of Wolfcamp
On November 15, 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the Wolfcamp shale in the Permian Basin contains 20 billion barrels of oil, 16 trillion cubic feet of associated natural gas, and 1.6 billion barrels of natural gas liquids. The USGS estimate makes the Wolfcamp shale the largest… Read more
Commissioner Sitton Joins CISR
On November 15, 2016, Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton announced that he will join the Bureau of Economic Geology Center for Integrated Seismicity Research ("CISR"). According to the press announcement, CISR conducts "fundamental and applied research to better understand both naturally… Read more
Western Energy Alliance, IPAA Challenge BLM Methane Regulations
On November 15, 2016, the Western Energy Alliance and the Independent Petroleum Association of America filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming, challenging the Bureau of Land Management's final rule; "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resources… Read more
Railroad Commission Amends Rule 15
On November 15, 2016, the Railroad Commission of Texas announced final amendments to Rule 15 (“Surface Equipment Removal Requirements and Inactive Wells”), which will take effect January 1, 2017. Generally, Rule 15 requires that operators who assume responsibility for an inactive oil or… Read more