The New BLM Proposed Rules for Venting & Flaring

March 9, 2016

On the heels of EPA's proposed regulations to further curb methane emissions from the oil and natural gas industry, on February 8th BLM published its much anticipated "venting and flaring" rule. The proposed rule-which marks the first time since 1980 that the Agency has updated its royalty and compensation structure for lost gas (i.e., NTL-4a)-promises to have far-reaching impacts for companies operating on Federal and Indian leases. Please join our panel for a discussion of BLM's proposed rule and what it might mean for your company. Topic will include:

  • Putting the rule into context: how we got here, and why now;
  • Analysis of key provisions of the proposed rule, including changes to the definitions of avoidably and unavoidably lost gas and the effects on royalty obligations, novel gas capture plan requirements, caps on flaring volumes, and new leak detection and repair requirements (among others);
  • Discussion of how the rule may impact your operations, including changes to existing policy on whether vented or flared gas is subject to royalties;
  • Initial thoughts about areas to focus on during public comment, including BLM's cost/benefit approach, concerns about duplicative regulatory programs, and statutory jurisdictional considerations.

Speakers for this program with include:

Introductory remarks will be provided by DGS Partner, Connie Rogers

Event Information

March 10, 2016

1550 17th Street Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202

7:30 AM | Breakfast & Registration 8:00 AM | Program

Presentation Materials

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Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, one of the Rocky Mountain region’s preeminent law firms, serves clients nationally and internationally, with a strong focus on corporate finance and governance, mergers and acquisitions, natural resources, environmental law, real estate, and complex litigation. Our lawyers have extensive experience working with companies in the energy, mining, technology, hospitality, private equity, manufacturing, asset management, and aviation industries. As the exclusive member firm in Colorado for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms, DGS has access to in-depth experience in 100+ countries worldwide.