Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Kirkland & Ellis each worked multiple big energy deals in the past week, as the sector continues to consolidate. And now that a new administration is set to take the reigns and implement its own regulatory and environmental priorities, the energy sector will likely see much more activity in the next year.

“There’s a cautious optimism regarding energy sector deal activity in the coming months, particularly in E&P (exploration and production),” said Rahul Vashi, co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s oil and gas practice, in an email. “Natural gas has rebounded from the summer lows and, despite regulatory slowdowns, the long-term prospects of LNG (landfill gas, which happens when organic matter decomposes in trash heaps) exports help support a positive outlook for natural gas over the next few years."