Outer

Texas is suing the federal government over its deepwater drilling moratorium, alleging that under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) affected states must be consulted by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) before such a measure is taken.

Texas is suing the federal government over its deepwater drilling moratorium, alleging that under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) affected states must be consulted by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) before such a measure is taken.

Both the House and Senate Tuesday rolled out legislation aimed at increasing federal regulation and inspection of oil and natural gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Texas Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Jones has slammed Congress’ attempt to usurp the states’ authority over oil and natural gas exploration and production activities on private and state lands.

Citing the need to proceed cautiously on oil and natural gas activity in the federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said the department plans to postpone until later this year public scoping meetings for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the upcoming five-year (2012-2017) leasing plan.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted Wednesday to remove the cap on a producer’s liability for economic damages from oil spills on the federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

The Department of Interior Tuesday issued a directive to oil and gas lessees and operators on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) implementing stronger safety requirements, and saying shallow-water drilling that is in compliance with the new requirements could continue.

On the heels of an agreement to buy Devon Energy Corp.’s Outer Continental Shelf properties in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Apache Corp. on Thursday said it has a cash-and-stock offer worth an estimated $2.7 billion on the table to merge with Mariner Energy Inc., whose portfolio is concentrated in the GOM.

On the heels of an agreement to buy Devon Energy Corp.’s Outer Continental Shelf properties in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Apache Corp. on Thursday said it has a cash-and-stock offer worth an estimated $2.7 billion on the table to merge with Mariner Energy Inc., whose portfolio is concentrated in the GOM.