- Will Sable’s rocky road become impassable? Congress will have something to say about Federal jurisdiction over the onshore pipeline and the special DPA permit issued by PHMSA.
- NOAA’s review of the California Coastal Commission looks less threatening to the Commission. Expect Congressional scrutiny of the NOAA review (hearings?).
- The default toppling-in-place decommissioning proposal seems unlikely to proceed.
- Deep sea minerals: The 11/19 Samoa minerals sale is likely to be held unless halted by the Courts, but will leases be issued? Will other marine minerals sales go ahead.
- Interior Dept. reviews of past wind approvals will be challenged by Congress, if allowed by the Courts.
- Don’t expect more wind lease buybacks. Existing deals may be challenged by Congress.
- The legislatively mandated oil and gas lease sale schedule is unlikely to be overturned.
- The proposed revisions to the arctic drilling rule are less likely to be finalized.
- The anticipated decommissioning financial assurance restart will likely be delayed.
- Career Federal employees become accustomed to sudden changes in policy direction.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” ~ John F. Kennedy
