Europe will require considerable volumes of Russian natural gas for the foreseeable future, but EU members are increasingly unhappy with paying oil-linked prices for the fuel. In the latest attempt at loosening the old Soviet energy yolk from Central and Eastern Europe, EU regulators yesterday filed an antitrust suit against Gazprom that could total $15 billion. [Reuters]

Speaking of energy legal disputes, the American Fuel & Petrochemicals Manufacturers recently appealed a ruling that reversed a decision finding California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard unconstitutional. “The Court’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent, if California may penalize fuels based on the location of origin and the type of processes used to create them, it may likewise penalize every other imported product, whether it be oranges from Florida or cars from Michigan,” said AFPM General Counsel Rich Moskowitz. [AFPM] Environmentalists and clean energy advocates call the ruling a victory, saying it’s time for oil companies to do their part in the fight against global warming. [San Jose Mercury News]

The Permian Basin in Texas has sported commercial oil wells since 1921 and could house more expert drillers per capita than any other city on earth. For these reasons and others, experts suggest the region’s current oil boom could be more than a flash in the pan. [Time Business & Money]