Pooling May be Forced on Marcellus Shale Area Residents

The Marcellus Shale natural gas industry is lobbying for legislation that would force property owners in the Marcellus Shale region to allow drilling for natural gas on their land if other property owners approve the request but they refuse.  Referred to as “forced pooling,” the pooling order would set forth the terms and conditions of the forced lease, such as compensation for the reluctant property owner.

The purpose of pooling is to group adjoining mineral rights leases to form a larger drilling unit, and according to the industry, results in more economical drilling.  Property owners with mineral rights would lease his or her interest in exchange for a royalty share. In Pennsylvania, the industry wants to add the statute to the severance tax to be adopted by the state.

If you are a property owner and you are opposed to drilling on your property, or if your well has been contaminated or your property has been damaged by well drilling, you may have a claim for damages against a drilling rig operator or the gas exploration company. The Marcellus Shale gas accident lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright can advise you on your options. The attorneys at Munley, Munley & Cartwright represent victims who have been injured through no fault of their own. Contact us at 1-800-318-LAW1 or submit a free online claim evaluation.