Administrative Law: Political Influence Public Lands: Federal Oil and Gas Leases Pooling and Unitization: Federal Units; Reduction in Size

摘要

For the facts see the case summary for the District Court opinion, 691 F.Supp.2d 25, 174 0.&G.R.?D.D.C. 2010). Held: affirmed. The Court of Appeals gives more background in the creation, reduction in size and termination of federal offshore oil and gas units. The court notes that in order for a lease to be included in a unit the lease must overlie one or more reservoirs or potential hydrocarbon accumulations. The court agrees that the Regional Supervisor is the relevant decision-maker as to the inclusion or exclusion of federal leases from federal units.