Since our last report, oil prices surpassed $80/bbl before dipping slightly alongside a flat rig count and lower natural gas spot prices. In Appalachia, the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board issued its latest decision discussing the Pennsylvania “Environmental Rights Amendment” in a dispute over oil and gas well-drilling permits while a federal judge in Virginia issued sanctions to folks opposing the Mountain Valley Pipeline, forcing them out of their tree stands so clearing activities for the project can proceed. In other news, the federal government weighs in on a controversial climate-change lawsuit and a federal judge in California issued a decision on the bi-state sage grouse listing under the Endangered Species Act. Here’s the week in review: About The Author