Offshore Company Trio Takes Legal Action

Chevron, Conoco and Murphy Exploration & Production filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government for denying the companies' "timely and fair review" of plans, permits and an appeal concerning and lively natural gas field in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The company trio is partners in a proposed natural gas development project focused on federal offshore leases in the Destin Dome 56 Field, 25 miles south of Pensacola, Fla. The U.S. Department of Energy cites that the field is comprised of potential reserves at up to 2.6 trillion cu. ft. of natural gas.

The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, alleges that the U.S. government delayed and ultimately blocked the partners from developing the field. Currently, the project is pending a decision by the Department of Commerce, who will not render settle on the project until the EPA has completed environmental permits.

The partners are seeking compensation for lease bonuses and rentals paid to the federal government; exploration costs; expenses incurred for the preparation of environmental studies; and opportunity costs associated with the project.