Surface owner's rights group wants bill passed this year

The West Virginia Surface Owners' Rights Organization wants state lawmakers to pass a Surface Owner's Bill of Rights during this year's legislative session.  A rush to claim mineral rights to drill in the Marcellus shale formation deep underground has fueled interest in increasing property owners’ rights. 

The legislative session begins next month. The Surface Owner's Rights organization has held public meetings around the state, trying to bring together residents and lawmakers on this issue.

The group met recently in Clarksburg to discuss legislation that could come before state lawmakers this year. It addresses surface owner protection laws enacted more than 20 years ago. The group wants lawmakers to ensure good stewardship of the land and economic fairness in West Virginia's oil and gas fields.

Sharon Marshok is the organization's local representative. She helped organize this event.

“We actually started a year and a half ago,” said Marshok. “The organization was actually developed or co-founded by David McMahon and Gary Zuckett and just trying to avoid abuses for property owners when drillers are coming out to drill wells. We have several companies who do a great job, very respectful of properties, but we always have a few who don't follow the guidelines.”

Paula Peaslee of Morgantown was one of thirty-some people who attended the meeting.

“I'm not a land owner, I just have the mineral rights,” said Peaslee. “But I'm concerned about the land, most concerned about the water, and also, how much water it takes to pump the Marcellus Well.” 

Other people said they're concerned about road maintenance and enforcement of property owner's rights agreements. 

State delegates were also there to listen and make comments. Del. Richard Richard J. Iaquinta (D - Harrison) says the increase in drilling is inevitable.

“It is true that we are drilling more wells in the history and that's because we have to. I don't care if it's solar or nuclear or hydro, the day and age of having the cheap eclectic are over.”

Delegates say a surface owner’s rights bill could be introduced early in this year’s legislative session.