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Petroleum: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
Petroleum refers to crude oil and any products that are derived from it. However, it excludes certain items such as:
Petroleum products that are specifically classified as alternate fuels.
Synthetic gas made from crude oil.
Liquid petroleum gas.
Petroleum coke or waste gases generated from industrial processes.
Waste by-products from refinery operations that cannot be commercially marketed.
It is important to note that waste by-products do not include components that can be extracted through further processing, nor do they include final products that use these waste by-products as blend stocks.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term petroleum is frequently used in various legal contexts, particularly in environmental law and energy regulations. It is relevant in:
Energy policy and regulation.
Environmental compliance and pollution control.
Commercial transactions involving oil and gas.
Users may need to manage forms related to petroleum regulations, which can often be handled using templates available through US Legal Forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A company extracts crude oil and refines it into gasoline. The gasoline is considered a petroleum product.
Example 2: A refinery produces waste by-products that include butane, which can be extracted and sold separately. This waste is not classified as unmarketable under the regulations. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
Major statutes relevant to petroleum include:
10 CFR 500.2 - Definitions related to energy and petroleum regulations.
Clean Air Act - Regulations concerning emissions from petroleum refining.
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Regulation Variance
California
Strict emissions standards for petroleum products.
Texas
Less stringent regulations on petroleum extraction and production.
New York
Specific guidelines for petroleum waste disposal.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Crude Oil
Unrefined petroleum extracted from the ground.
Crude oil is a component of petroleum.
Refined Petroleum
Products derived from crude oil, such as gasoline and diesel.
Refined petroleum is a subset of petroleum.
Alternate Fuels
Energy sources that are alternatives to traditional petroleum products.
Alternate fuels are excluded from the petroleum definition.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in activities related to petroleum, consider the following steps:
Review relevant regulations to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Utilize US Legal Forms to access templates for necessary legal documents.
If your situation is complex, consult with a legal professional for tailored advice.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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