Will Biden’s Ban on Offshore Drilling Hold Up?

Consider writing about:

A ban announced by President Biden on Jan. 6 on new leases for offshore oil and gas drilling; areas to which the ban applies, and when it is to take effect; what the action means for oil companies’ existing leases; authority under which President Biden invoked the ban; what to know about the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; whether Congress or the incoming Trump administration could modify or overturn the ban; and perhaps a related look at business and legal trends involving offshore drilling nationwide, either recently or in the context of a comparison between the Biden administration and the first Trump administration.

Related information:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/06/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-protecting-americas-ocean-and-coasts-from-offshore-oil-and-gas-drilling

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/03/business/offshore-drilling-ban-biden/index.html

What Does N.Y. Climate Superfund Law Mean for Energy Companies?

Consider writing about:

Legislation signed by New York’s governor last month, establishing a “Climate Superfund;” when the law takes effect and what companies and activities it applies to; what the new law could mean for energy companies’ potential liability risks and associated obligations; whether other states have, or are considering, similar measures; potential for legal challenges to these types of state laws.

Related information:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-landmark-legislation-creating-new-climate-superfund

Environmental and Energy Highlights of 2024: Your Call

Consider writing about:

Your choice of three or more noteworthy developments or trends in the energy or environmental arena from the past year. Take your pick of lawsuits, rulings, regulatory actions, legislation, or other developments, either nationally or in the region of your choice, with added information, as you see fit, regarding compliance obligations, liability risks, best practices, or other potential implications in the near or longer term, whether for a specific industry or more generally speaking.

How States Are Tackling Wildfire Risks

Consider writing about:

How states are responding to increased risk of serious wildfires and associated damage to commercial or residential properties; related issues involving property owner obligations pertaining to property modifications, upkeep, disclosures, or other responsibilities; any new bans, limitations, or other restrictions on new construction; how the real estate industry and construction industry are responding to increased concerns over wildfires.

What to Know About Rebuilding in a Disaster Zone

Consider writing about:

Challenges for homeowners or business owners seeking to clean up and rebuild after a natural disaster; what to know about obtaining permits to rebuild damaged homes or businesses; related mortgage, tax, and insurance issues; assistance available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or other federal or state agencies; owners’ options if their properties cannot be rebuilt.

How Cybercriminals Target Real Estate Transactions

Consider writing about:

Wire transfer fraud and other forms of cybercrime that target real estate transactions; types of scams and cyberattack tactics to be on the lookout for; related statistics and trends; how real estate agents, lawyers, financial institutions, or clients can protect themselves from cybercrime, liability risks, and related financial losses.

Related information:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/23/wire-fraud-in-real-estate-silicon-valley-executive-warning.html