Modrall Sperling Law Firm

Update on New Mexico’s Methane Rules

EMNRD Finalized Regulations A few weeks ago, on May 25, 2021, the EMNRD published its new rules which limit most venting and flaring of natural gas as part of New Mexico’s mission to reduce methane emissions. The rules are now in effect…

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New Mexico’s Proposed Methane Rules

Executive Order 2019-003 One month after she assumed office on January 1, 2019, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued Executive Order 2019-003.  The executive order finds that methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and that the oil and gas industry is…

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Are Your Overrides Really Pooled? REALLY?

The answer may depend on whether they were created by assignment or by reservation. An uncommitted overriding royalty interest in a unitized tract can gum the works.  Its owner can claim her full undiluted percentage of production from a drillsite tract, forcing…

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A Cure for the Common Coronavirus – Keeping Your Lease Alive

Many oil and gas leases and contractual arrangements that made sense a few weeks ago make no sense at current oil prices.  The law may, however, provide some relief for those stuck between low oil prices and the need to spend millions…

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What’s in a Net Royalty Acre?

We all understand the definition of “net mineral acre.” It is derived by multiplying a fractional interest in minerals by the acreage over which the interest is owned….

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Subject to Interpretation

“‘The words ‘subject to,’ used in their ordinary sense, mean ‘subordinate to,’ ‘subservient to’ or ‘limited by.’” Kokernot v. Caldwell, 231 S.W.2d 528 (Tex. Civ. App. – Dallas,…

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