Exploration Agreements, Options, Joint Ventures
We prepare exploration agreements, options to lease or purchase property, and joint venture agreements. We draft and review oil and gas farm out agreements, joint operating agreements, gas marketing agreements and related contracts. Lawyers in our tax section are familiar with the special tax issues that apply to businesses engaged in mining and oil and gas exploration and development.
Siting, Permitting and Construction
We assist in obtaining land use and environmental permits for drilling, geophysical exploration and mining operations in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and elsewhere. We advise clients on land use laws, environmental laws, Forest Service and BLM regulations, surface mining laws, hazardous waste laws and EIS preparation. Stoel Rives has also helped secure all necessary permits and approvals for siting of complex gas pipeline systems, including offshore/sub-sea pipelines. Our experience includes negotiation of engineering, procurement and construction agreements and related dispute resolution, as well as operating agreements and related financings.
Underground Storage
Underground gas storage requires the acquisition of an unusual combination of property rights. We have assisted clients with underground gas storage leasing and the permitting, construction and operation of gas storage facilities. In addition, we have assisted in the acquisition of major underground gas storage projects.
LNG Terminals
Stoel Rives has drawn from its extensive energy facility siting and permitting experience to lead permitting teams for two of the West Coast's LNG terminals. We assist our LNG clients in navigating the maze of federal, state and local requirements governing the siting and construction of onshore and offshore LNG terminals and supporting facilities.
Industry Regulation
Stoel Rives attorneys have represented clients in FERC and Department of Energy proceedings concerning pipeline regulation and rate and certificate proceedings for natural gas utilities located in the Western United States. We assist local natural gas distribution clients in rate cases, including general rate cases and pass-throughs, prudence reviews, affiliate transactions and other state commission proceedings.
Acquisitions
We assist with the acquisition of mining and oil and gas properties, including both stock and asset transactions.
Leasing
We draft and review leases for coal, oil and gas, and hard minerals development.
Title Examination
We prepare drill site and division order title opinions for natural gas exploration. We are also experienced in preparing title opinions on patented and unpatented mining claims.
Corporate, Tax, Securities and Finance
We currently advise and have advised both U.S. and foreign mining and oil and gas companies on corporate, tax, securities and finance matters, including bullion financings, initial public offerings, oil and gas limited partnerships, equipment leasing, employee benefits and state taxation.