Austin Energy Law Services for Your Legal Needs

Comprehensive Energy Law Representation in Texas

In a state where energy, oil, and gas law is especially crucial to the ongoing success of many individual and business entities, our firm is able to offer the tools necessary to effectively represent clients in these areas. Our goal is to advance your interests and protect your rights in the field of energy law. We at The Jones Law Firm PC provide elite representation in matters concerning fuel and energy projects for both individuals and large corporations.

In addition to energy law matters in Texas, we handle a broad range of issues that may arise over the course of an energy project, including:

• Fuel contracts for power plants
• Cooling water supply and disposal
• Power plant construction
• Landowner Royalty Interests
• Mineral Lease Drafting and Review
• Easements

We provide representation for individuals and businesses alike and can help you in routine engagements such as title examinations, land title disputes, join operating agreement disputes, transactions, exploration agreements, join operating agreements, and much more. We have provided outside counsel for investor-owned utilities, small businesses, large landowners, geothermal operators, and oil and gas operators.

Contact our skilled energy law attorneys in Austin at The Jones Law Firm PC at (512) 394-4289 or via online form to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Energy Law: Roles and Responsibilities

Energy law involves the laws that govern energy -- the use of it, its regulation, and its conservation. All in all, energy laws are created to ensure that those who use energy are protected and to provide for more and more efficient electronics. It also relates to how energy (renewable and non-renewable) services are taxed. This includes utility taxes, taxes for gas, and taxes imposed on entities that obtain fossil fuels.

Our Austin energy law attorneys focus on energy businesses and working with power companies, energy producers, and municipal utilities. We ensure that companies, businesses, and other parties involved are compliant with existing energy laws and regulations in Texas. We also represent clients in matters related to fuel and energy projects for corporations and individuals.

The Importance of Distribution in Energy Law

In energy law, distribution applies to natural gas, electricity, and oil. When it comes to natural gas, distribution happens from the plant to the customer. With electricity,  distribution happens via low voltage transmission lines which deliver power to the customers. Oil is transported and distributed via pipelines where they are refined and then transported to customers. The distribution of energy or fuel is what drives the economy and there are extensive security systems that monitor the distribution systems to ensure that they are functioning safely. 

Environmental Impact Statements: What You Need to Know

Also known as an EIS, an environmental impact statement is a government document that outlines how a project may impact its surrounding natural environment. This is required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and must be reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you are starting a project, our team of Austin energy attorneys may be able to help.

An EIS must include reasonable alternatives to the proposed action, including the consequences of those alternatives. When filing an environmental impact statement, a draft is published for public comment and under review for 45 days. The comments are collected and may be used for further research until a final EIS is published. 

Hydropower Licensing: Get the Guidance You Need

Hydropower licenses are issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Developers must complete an extensive permitting and regulatory process in order to license or re-license projects. This process ensures that local water quality, wildlife, habitats, cultural resources, and recreation are protected.

A hydropower license authorizes a project for up to 50 years. If a license is expiring, the new one (relicense) authorizes the continuation of an existing project for another 30 to 50 years, depending on the terms. If you need a hydropower license or relicense for a project, speak with our energy lawyers in Austin for more guidance about this process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Law

What is BTU?

BTU stands for “British Thermal Unit”. This unit of measurement shows how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of energy sources. Specifically, it measures how much heat is needed to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. 1 BTU is about equal to the energy released when a match is burned. BTU allows us to compare different types of energy to each other on an equal basis.

What is Fracking?

Fracking is actually short for “hydraulic fracturing”. This is the process in which chemicals and water are forced (at very high pressure) into shale rock deposits that are deep in the ground in order to recover gas and oil from existing fissures. Fracking is revolutionary because it reduces air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as lowers energy prices, but it may contaminate groundwater and surface water, use large volumes of water (in regions that are deficient in water), and threaten wildlife. 

With so much at stake, why hesitate? Get in touch with our office today at (512) 394-4289 and learn more about how our Austin energy lawyer can help.