Mineral Leasing Act of 1920: Federal law governing the leasing of mineral rights on public lands, including requirements for oil and gas exploration and production.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Federal law requiring environmental impact assessments for projects affecting federal lands or receiving federal funding.
Clean Air Act: Federal legislation regulating air emissions and air quality standards that must be considered in oil and gas operations.
Clean Water Act: Federal law governing water pollution control and water quality standards relevant to drilling operations.
Safe Drinking Water Act: Federal regulation protecting public drinking water supplies, particularly relevant for hydraulic fracturing operations.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste from oil and gas operations.
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA): Federal law establishing guidelines for the management and preservation of public lands where oil and gas operations may occur.
Securities Act and Exchange Act: Federal securities laws that may apply if the participation agreement involves public offerings or trading of securities.
State Oil and Gas Conservation Laws: State-specific regulations governing oil and gas production, conservation practices, and resource management.
State Environmental Protection Laws: State-level environmental regulations that may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards.
State Land Use and Zoning Regulations: Local and state requirements governing where and how oil and gas operations can be conducted.
State Severance Tax Laws: State-specific taxes imposed on the extraction of natural resources, including oil and gas.
State Drilling Permit Requirements: State-specific regulations for obtaining and maintaining drilling permits.
State Well Spacing Requirements: State regulations determining the minimum distance required between wells and property lines.
Common Law Principles of Contract: Traditional legal principles governing contract formation, interpretation, and enforcement.
Property Law: Legal framework governing surface rights versus mineral rights and their interaction.
Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) Standards: Industry standards for agreements between parties jointly operating oil and gas properties.
American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) Standards: Professional standards and forms widely used in the oil and gas industry.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): State-adopted standardized laws governing commercial transactions, including sale of goods and secured transactions.
Anti-trust Laws: Federal and state regulations preventing monopolistic practices and promoting competition in the oil and gas industry.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Federal law prohibiting bribery of foreign officials, relevant when international parties are involved.
