Author: lisa r

Pore Space Leases – Review Examples Before Signing

The North Dakota legislature adopted a new law for underground storage of oil and gas in 2021. Our office has heard from many local landowners being approached by several different companies wanting to lease their pore space for various projects. Many people who signed standard leases when the oil boom hit western North Dakota came … Read More

Reactions to Senate Bill 2065 Becoming Law

Senate Bill 2065, a proposal to create a legal framework for permitting underground storage of natural gas, was recently approved by the North Dakota legislature and signed into law by Governor Doug Burgum last week.  However, prior to its approval, the path to this bill becoming law included weeks of subcommittee hearings and differences of … Read More

Pore space bill advancing in legislature, landowners remain concerned

The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee endorsed Senate Bill 2065, which gives state regulators the authority to permit underground areas for natural gas, natural gas liquids or oil. Despite many meetings between its leaders, the oil and gas industry, state officials, lawmakers, and the Northwest Landowners Association, the version the committee endorsed did not … Read More

Northwest Landowners Association WINS Lawsuit against State of ND and Continental Resources, Inc. over Unconstitutional Taking of Private Property

Northwest Landowners Association (NWLA) filed a Complaint in state district court asking the court to declare Senate Bill 2344 an unconstitutional taking of private property. On January 21, 2021,the Northeast Judicial District Court issued its decision in favor of the Landowners, agreeing that it is an unconstitutional taking, and striking the law down in full. … Read More

Staying Informed About FERC Natural Gas Pipeline Proceedings If You Aren’t Given Formal Notice

According to the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, the state is home to almost 7,000 miles of transmission and distribution pipelines which support the “production, transportation, and utilization of North Dakota energy-related commodities.” If a pipeline, compressor station, or LNG facility is or will be involved in interstate transportation of natural gas, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates that facility under Congressionally granted authority under the Natural Gas Act. As part of this authority, FERC approves siting and abandonment of facilities through … Read More

Advocacy groups question fracking grants from CARES Act funds

Dakota Resource Council and North Dakotans for Public Integrity, represented by Braaten Law Firm attorney JJ England, filed a complaint this week questioning the allocation of $16 million in CARES ACT funding toward fracking grants.   The complaint stated, “The combination of what appears to be an unlawful use of emergency CARES Act funds to provide … Read More