I think what has been framed as a buyback is really voluntary...

I think what has been framed as a buyback is really voluntary license surrender for a token sum.

The govt. cannot simply suspend the transfer and intervene by buying back the license and force a sale on its own price terms that are not commercially based - that would just constitute theft.

Metgasco has indicated it would not relinquish its license for any less than $80-120m+ based on their sunk costs for a 4.4tcf resource base

Ravingstark previously indicated that PEL 458 (80%) has 1.3tcf GIP and PEL 456 (40%) has 30tcf.
The implied price to buyback those licenses would be large.

I don't know if PEL 445 (80%) has any certified resource base, but that seems to be the only PEL mentioned about the transfer being potentially suspended and being bought back.

And if there is a windfall, who benefits - Lawndale?