XML 32 R21.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.3
Commitments and Contingencies
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

From time to time, Empire is subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings for which Empire may not have insurance coverage. While many of these matters involve inherent uncertainty, as of the date hereof, Empire does not currently believe that any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Empire’s business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Empire is subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws, among other things, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require Empire to remove or mitigate the environmental effects of the disposal or release of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Management believes no materially significant liabilities of this nature existed as of the balance sheet date.

 

Agreed Compliance Order

 

In January 2024, Empire deposited $1.0 million into an escrow account in accordance with an Agreed Compliance Order (“ACO”) with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (“OCD”) for compliance work on certain inactive wells in New Mexico. Under the terms of the ACO, the escrow funds will be returned to Empire at a rate of $10,000 for each well as the compliance work is completed. As of June 30, 2024, all work had been completed. The Company expects to receive the remaining outstanding escrow amount of $200,000 by the end of 2024.