Sidley’s oil and natural gas, refined products and CO2 pipeline practice includes representing clients in a broad range of M&A, capital markets, master limited partnerships, project development, project finance and syndicated financing transactions.
Sidley lawyers represent interstate natural gas pipelines before FERC on rate, tariff and compliance matters. This representation includes involvement in adjudication, rulemaking, formal and informal enforcement investigations and related appellate matters. We also represent major new natural gas pipeline projects in obtaining Natural Gas Act certificate authority from FERC, including the related environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as satisfying all other federal and state permitting requirements. We also organize and execute the legal aspects of large pipeline right-of-way acquisition programs. In connection with the development of these pipeline projects, we advise clients with respect to the associated commercial arrangements with shippers and lenders.
Sidley lawyers have been actively engaged in representing oil pipelines in regulatory and related matters for over 35 years, principally in proceedings before FERC, state public service commissions and federal and state courts. Our clients have included most of the larger crude oil and petroleum products pipelines, including those which transport liquefied gases such as propane, in the lower 48 United States, and a major owner of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. We have also represented the oil pipeline trade association, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines. Our representation includes oil pipelines under various forms of ownership – including pipelines affiliated with the major oil companies, joint stock companies owned by multiple majors, undivided joint interest systems and independent pipelines.
In light of the enhanced enforcement and penalty authority that Congress granted FERC in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a growing area in which clients have turned to Sidley lawyers involves representation in FERC enforcement matters. Our clients in such matters have covered a broad spectrum, ranging from a closely held (private) energy producer/marketer to a major financial services firm engaged in energy transactions.