A Song of Ice and Fire: Offshore Methane Hydrates and the Regulatory Laws That Govern the 'Methane Dragon'

Offshore methane hydrates have recently made headlines as various countries began experimenting with methods of exploration and extraction of the resource. The value and abundance of this resource presents many exciting opportunities as researchers and developers begin to contemplate the possibility of commercial development of methane hydrate reserves. This Comment seeks to explore the legal regulations in place and assess whether the current legal regime, both in the United States and internationally, would be able to efficiently regulate methane hydrates and their unique composition due to difficulties stemming from exploration and extraction. In particular, this Comment will look at how to impose liability after an accident resulting from exploration and extraction of offshore methane hydrates.

Ultimately, because of their unique nature and the narrow focus of current legal institutions that govern liability of off drilling accidents, this Comment recommends the institution of different liability standards to successfully cover the unique problems inherent with Offshore methane hydrates.