Marcellus Shale
Saul Ewing has been traditionally strong in the representation of pipeline companies in all aspects of pipeline development, land acquisition, regulatory issues (state and federal) and litigation. Our attorneys have represented companies in the natural resources industries in real estate acquisition, right of way development, environmental issues, and regulatory issues. Because of our strong utility practice in Pennsylvania and Maryland, we are also involved in all aspects of energy generation. In addition, we have substantial expertise in mining regulation in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Our environmental and energy practices currently represent a number of companies in the Marcellus Shale Play in both Pennsylvania and Maryland. These range from exploration companies to pipeline companies to private equity firms. We have unsurpassed real estate capabilities that are capable of dealing with most issues involved in land acquisition and siting. Land use law (zoning and planning) are increasingly important aspects of the ability to site drilling operations and intrastate pipelines and our lawyers have proven expertise for dealing with contentious municipal regulations. Because of the unique nature of title issues in this area, we have made the strategic decision to utilize only national title companies on title and insurance issues in the Marcellus Shale. Our experience has been that this delivers the best possible title work and underwriting to the client at a fraction of the cost of using attorneys to perform this function. Neither Pennsylvania nor Maryland require attorneys to write title, and we believe the national title firms provide the expertise and financial stability to maximize client protection while minimizing costs. Should clients opt for direct attorney title work, we have relationships with firms well qualified to undertake this aspect of the project.