Midstream Trading & Marketing

Midstream activity involves the initial gathering, processing and storage of oil and gas produced from onshore or offshore fields.  As do other phases of the energy industry, midstream activity can give rise to commercial litigation, regulatory investigations and litigation, and tort litigation.

Copeland & Rice attorneys have handled litigation arising from midstream operations that included the following types of claims:

  • Breach of contract
  • Tortious interference with contract
  • Toxic tort
  • Property damage
  • Personal injury

Representative Midstream experience includes:

  • Obtained summary judgment following substantial discovery on behalf of a midstream energy company and its private equity backer, who successfully bid on and acquired a group of midstream gas assets sold by a major energy company in a bid process conducted by an investment bank. Litigation was initiated by an unsuccessful bidder seeking substantial damages and claiming that our clients tortiously interfered with its agreement to purchase the assets. Summary judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court refused to grant review following full briefing on the merits.
  • Represented an energy company in connection with a salt dome gas storage facility gas release and fire, participated in the response to the incident in anticipation of litigation and claims, and represented the company in litigation brought by area residents and businesses.
  • Represented companies in arbitrations involving breach of contract relating to gas supply and sales contracts.