The oil and gas industry both nationwide and in Texas has provided a steady stream of good economic news. Wells are being drilled and pipelines are being built and investment in infrastructure (particularly in areas with shale gas) and in technological improvements is increasing. For quite a while it seemed…
Another new oil pipeline is being laid in the Delaware Basin in Texas, which is part of the greater Permian Basin in west Texas. According to Benjamin Shattuck, an analyst with energy research firm Wood Mackenzie, “(t)he Permian is one of the most exciting areas in the lower 48 states…
As a Texas oil and gas attorney, I often explain to clients how important it is to be smart and review oil and gas leases, contracts and other legal documents before signing anything. So many people sign documents without reading or understanding them first and come to me after the…
The Supreme Court of Texas will be considering an interesting case about oil and gas royalties for a Texas mineral owner. The case is Charles G. Hooks III et al. v. Samson Lone Star L.P. The case arises from a dispute over oil and gas leases in Jefferson County and…
A recent case decided by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals holds a cautionary tale for Texas investors or any one who may want to invest in oil and gas. The case is United States v. Smith decided on April 15, 2014. This case involved the Smith brothers, Michael…
This blog previously addressed the serious issues presented with the use of water by the oil and gas industry , especially where the water is used for drilling and fracing in drought affected states. It has become an especially pronounced issue in the western states, like Texas, that have both…
A day-long conference at George Mason University titled “Old Fuels, New Technology, and Market Dynamics” was held at the Arlington, Virginia campus last week. It was put on by the Law and Economics Center, which is part of the law school. Rapid growth in the U.S. oil and gas industry,…
Not all Texas folks consult an attorney to prepare a will or to review an oil and gas lease or a pipeline easement they have been offered. Maybe they think lawyers are expensive and only for the wealthy or maybe they don’t want to take the time. Fortunately, there are…
A recent case that was decided by the Texas Court of Appeals in San Antonio illustrates the problems when mineral owners sign a “standard” form for their oil and gas lease and why they should consider getting the opinion of an experienced Texas oil and gas attorney before they sign.…
More Texas oil and gas companies are expanding. In January 2014 Brenham Oil and Gas Inc. announced the purchase of a 100% and 74% revenue interest in the 332 acre Inez field prospect. This prospect is located in Victoria County, Texas. Brenham plans to drill a well to regain the…