Unclear Jury Instructions Allow for Various Interpretations
Lario Oil & Gas Co. v. Black Hawk Energy Services, Ltd. highlights the importance of carefully drafting jury instructions and questions.
CaseUpdate63
Check out the latest posts
Tackling Free-Use and At-The-Well Royalties
Lease royalty calculated on “market value at the well” held to bear a proportion of gas used off the lease premises as a form of post-production cost under the workback method...
Who Can Enforce Surface Provisions in an OGL?
Mineral owners are often subject to general oil and gas lease forms that include provisions benefitting the surface estate. But, when they own no interest in the surface, who, if anyone, has the right to enforce those provisions?
When Does a Fixed NPRI Become Floating?
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that ratifying a lease doesn't change a fixed NPRI to a floating one. However, a subsequent stipulation between parties can modify the NPRI, rejecting the argument that an unambiguous deed cannot be altered by a later stipulation.
Winter Storm Uri and Force Majeure: The Legal Battles Continue
Winter Storm Uri sent shockwaves through Texas, freezing gas supplies at a time of critical need and plunging the state into widespread power outages. In the aftermath, the courts have been flooded with force majeure claims, many of them hinging on widely used contracts like the NAESB model form.
When Wastewater Becomes Liability: Texas Court Expands 'Waste' Doctrine to Disposal Wells
In a watershed ruling, the El Paso Court of Appeals extends "waste" liability under the Nat. Res. Code to commercial disposal well operator—potentially increasing exposure for this critical wastewater industry—while preserving the reasonably prudent operator defense.