Category: Energy
Sovereignty Over the Sovereign: Private Party Imminent Domain vs. the States
Imminent Domain and Sovereign Immunity are two important and controversial topics in any discussion of governmental authority. In re PennEast Pipeline Co. brings these topics to the forefront in the context of federalism and states’ rights. Who can sue the government? What can the government forcibly take? Can a private party forcibly take from a […]
Undivided Fractional Oil and Gas Interests – Part 2: Mineral or Royalty?
An issue often confronted by landmen and title examiners is whether or not an instrument creates a mineral or royalty interest. The answer to this question determines whether or not a lessee has obtained a valid lease, whether or not that lease covers all of the minerals, and what amounts should be paid to which […]
Characterization of Oil and Gas Interests Under Texas Community Property Laws
Determining ownership of the mineral estate can be a complicated proposition, which is only made thornier by the institution of marriage. The State of Texas is a community property jurisdiction in which ownership is characterized by both the nature of the property in question and the timing of its acquisition by the spouses. Under the […]