Negotiating Instruments: The Guiding Force During Energy Projects
Last updated on July 22, 2024
In every deal, the legal instruments are the project guides. Carefully constructed contracts that clearly dictate each party’s rights and responsibilities are the best ways to avoid disputes, limit potential areas of liability and ensure projects stay on track.
Located in Sweetwater and Lubbock, Texas, the lawyers of Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, review, negotiate and draft energy agreements for landowners and wind, solar, hydroelectric, and oil and gas companies throughout the southwestern U.S.
Energy Contract Negotiation
Energy projects, whether wind, solar, or oil and gas, involve numerous parties and many moving pieces. As such, each project requires the negotiation, drafting and review of numerous contractual instruments, including:
Leases:
- Oil and gas leases
- Farmout agreements
- Joint operating agreements
- Surface use agreements
- Wind energy leases
- Solar energy leases
- Option agreement
Documents regarding access to the project:
- Easements
- Rights of way
- Pipeline agreements
- Drilling agreements
- Transmission agreements
Documents regarding land use:
- Accommodation agreements
- Surface waivers
- Obtaining permits from local, state and federal regulatory agencies
- Obtaining necessary variances
- Handling other zoning issues
These projects also require disposal agreements dictating who will pay the costs of clearing the project and restoring the land at the end of the lease, as well as contracts concerning the operator’s duty to develop accommodation agreements regarding concurrent use issues.
When negotiating and drafting these documents, the attorneys for Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, have three goals. The first is to protect your property rights. The second goal is to maximize the financial opportunities presented by the project. The third goal is to limit your liability in the event of a dispute. The specific mechanisms for achieving these goals may change depending on whether you are an individual landowner or a representative for your business, but the goals and objectives remain the same.
Protect Your Interests During Energy Projects
The attorneys of Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, develop all contracts necessary for a wind, solar, and oil and gas project development. For assistance, call 800-787-0784, or submit an online contact form. From offices in Sweetwater and Lubbock, the firm serves clients throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado.