FIRM NEWS

Local Attorney Appointed to Federal Royalty Policy Committee

(Mobile, Ala.) – Attorney M. Stephen Dampier, a member of the law firm Vickers, Riis, Murray and Curran, LLC, has been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to serve on the federal Royalty Policy Committee (RPC).  The RPC advises the Secretary of the Interior on issues concerning oil and gas royalties generated from the development of federal lands, both onshore and offshore, throughout the U.S.

Dampier will initially serve a three-year term on the RPC and is believed to be the first person from Alabama appointed to the influential committee.  This is particularly important given the increased royalties that certain Gulf South States like Alabama are expected to receive from federal offshore production over the decades pursuant to recent federal legislation.

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) nominated Dampier for the position. “Mr. Dampier has a tremendous amount of experience relating to oil and gas leasing that will be a great asset to the Royalty Policy Committee,” Sessions said. “The Committee needs members with his kind of expertise in oil and gas matters.  His knowledge can help ensure that the nation gets top dollar from mineral production on federal lands.”

Mr. Dampier has been practicing law since 1990 and has extensive experience in oil and gas matters. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Colorado and Washington, D.C. and holds degrees from New York University School of Law, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and the George Washington University.  He served on the State of Alabama Oil and Gas Board for 12 years.   In addition, Mr. Dampier serves on the boards of Eagle Geophysical, Inc. (Houston, TX) and the Alabama State Health Coordinating Council in Montgomery.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to this board and am appreciative of both Sen. Sessions’ nomination and the Secretary’s appointment.  My experience in oil, gas and mineral rights law should prove beneficial to my service on the RPC, and I am looking forward to serving,” said Dampier.