Oil and Gas Overview

Oil and gas law includes all the issues that arise out of the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of these energy resources. Areas encompass oil and gas ownership rights and interests, transfer rights, royalties, contracts, leases, covenants (which are suits involving the recovery of damages for contract violation), and environmental and tax laws.

The main regulatory agency is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, which oversees the natural-gas, oil, and electricity markets. Energy law is complex, as it often involves both government-owned and privately owned land and natural resources. An attorney with experience in oil and gas law would be the best resource if you have a question about a related issue.