Weather delay is a common risk in offshore energy production, and in the Gulf of Mexico, the occurrence of tropical storms and hurricanes regularly force operators to shut-down production, cease drilling and construction activities, and evacuate personnel. In physical terms, shutting-in a well...

The federal government distributes funds to states in a block grant for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) using a mechanism based on hold-harmless and give back provisions triggered at various appropriation levels. If the regular appropriation in a given fiscal year is less...