Federal court approves plan to drill off Alaska's north shore *

USA - June 4 2012
On May 25, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision upholding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) approval of Shell Oil Company’s plan for exploratory drilling in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea.

---

Center for Biological Diversity intends to sue FWS and DOI over failure to make Endangered Species Act findings *

USA - May 30 2012
Up to 25 species of amphibians and reptiles found throughout the southeast United States may be receiving protected status under the Endangered Species Act (the “ESA”). 

Co-authors: Kerri L. Barsh, Edward Orlando Martos.

---

DRBC releases final draft regulations on natural gas development *

USA - November 10 2011
This week, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC”) released its final draft natural gas development regulations in anticipation of a final vote on whether the DRBC will adopt the regulations.

---

10th Circuit upholds sharp restrictions of Clinton-era roadless rule in forests *

USA - October 25 2011
On October 21st, the U.S. Forest Service and environmental advocates successfully defended the Clinton administration's Roadless Area Conservation Rule ("Roadless Rule"), winning a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit requiring a district court to vacate its nationwide injunction against the rule.

---

Governor Corbett outlines plan for new standards, fees on shale drilling *

USA - October 4 2011
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced that he will present a plan to the General Assembly that will implement numerous recommendations proposed by the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission), including an impact fee on wells and more rigorous standards on hydraulic fracturing.

---