A core concept in natural resources law: the nexus between owner and operator

The relationship between the owner of resources and the operator is identified as a core concept in natural resources law, giving the field conceptual cohesion. Owners commonly allocate rights to operator companies rather than developing the resources themselves. The main reasons appear to be access to expertise and risk management. This relationship or bargain can take various forms and its content varies. This article asks what legitimately constitutes a field of law, considers how the bargain nexus is a common and distinctive feature of natural resources law, and discusses its power to explain the nature of the field and its legal problems.