Uphold

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California last Thursday continued to uphold penalties against market manipulation dating back to the western energy crisis of 2000-01.

In a stunning setback for shale development in New York state, an appellate court ruled unanimously to uphold two local bans on oil and gas activities.

In a stunning setback for shale development in New York state, an appellate court ruled unanimously last week to uphold two local bans on oil and gas activities. Attorneys representing landowners and energy companies told NGI that they have already started the process to appeal to the top court in the state, the Court of Appeals.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week was asked to decide whether to uphold or overturn a lower court ruling in July, which declared that portions of the Act 13, which imposes an impact fee on producers, were unconstitutional see NGI, July 30). Plaintiffs argue that the law limits local zoning rules and violates municipalities’ right to substantive due process ((Robinson Township et al. v. Commonwealth et al., No. 284-MD-2012).

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last week rejected by 2-1 an appeal by Utah producers and several counties to uphold an Obama administration decision nearly four years ago to withdraw 77 oil and natural gas leases that had been sold at the end of the George W. Bush administration.

An Oregon energy official said the state and other stakeholders are likely to appeal FERC’s action Thursday to uphold its conditioned approval of the proposed NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc.’s Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, which is to be sited along the Oregon side of the Columbia River.

An Alabama circuit judge began hearing arguments Thursday on whether to uphold a record multi-billion-dollar verdict won by the state last year against ExxonMobil Corp. The decision in the case, over disputed natural gas royalties, is expected by March 22.

An Alabama circuit judge began hearing arguments Thursday on whether to uphold a record multi-billion-dollar verdict won by the state last year against ExxonMobil Corp. The decision in the case, over disputed natural gas royalties, is expected by March 22.

Indicating that it intends to hold California complainants to the higher Mobile-Sierra standard in their attempts to overturn power contracts signed by state agencies with Allegheny Energy Supply and certain other power generators, FERC said last week the full Commission alone will render a decision on those companies — and soon.