Law Passes to Allow Multiple Owners to Agree on Drilling

— Gov. Jim Justice has signed a new law to allow drilling for natural gas beneath West Virginia property where 75 percent of owners of its royalty interests agree. Under current law, a single co-owner can block drilling, but a developer can sue. Under the law, land owners would be guaranteed a share of the highest royalty or a share in the producer’s revenues and costs as an investor. Justice says it will allow for development while protecting owner rights. It takes effect July 1.