Attorney

Attorney General Eric Holder Tuesday said the government has launched criminal and civil probes into the mammoth oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This comes as the latest procedure — “top kill” — to cap the damaged riser 5,000 feet below the surface failed, the spill enters its sixth week, and estimates of the spewing oil were raised to 12,000-19,000 b/d, making it the worst oil spill disaster in U.S. history.

A rate case settlement agreement between Duke Energy Kentucky and the commonwealth’s attorney general would increase rates for natural gas delivery service by approximately $13 million, or 10.4% of total gas revenues, effective in early 2010. The original request was for $17.5 million, or a 14% increase, the company said Monday.

Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch has called on the U.S. Coast Guard to withdraw and reconsider its recent letter of recommendation (LOR) providing conditional support for Weaver’s Cove Energy LLC’s proposal to construct a berth for tankers in Mount Hope Bay and underwater pipeline facilities to unload and deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the proposed terminal site at Fall River, MA.

Transportation attorney Cynthia L. Quarterman — who was directer of Minerals Management Service (MMS) in the Clinton administration — was nominated by President Obama to be administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Thursday appointed Liz Birnbaum, an attorney with experience in energy and environmental policy, as director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS).

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Thursday appointed Liz Birnbaum, an attorney with experience in energy and environmental policy, as director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS).

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler Friday filed a suit in federal district court challenging the Department of Commerce’s decision overriding the state’s efforts to block AES Sparrows Point LLC’s proposed 1.5 Bcf/d liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and pipeline east of the Port of Baltimore.

California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown last Friday wrote congressional leaders urging that the auto industry bailout package now being hammered out include language that would authorize states to implement California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for motor vehicles. Brown has been battling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the issue for the past two years.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has opposed construction of the proposed Broadwater floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, is calling for the creation of a two-state commission on environment and energy needs. He said the commission should consider, among other things, supporting LNG facilities off the New York or New Jersey coasts.