Image by Toban Black via FlickrEarlier this month I wrote about a problem with drilling of some natural gas wells: the water from your faucet can be set on fire. Today's post is not about drilling per se. It's about the law in many states; in these states you don't have the right to prevent drilling on your land if most of your neighbors want drilling on their land. This situation is referred to as 'forced pooling'. It is quite common when drilling shale gas.
Most laws with regard to forced pooling do provide for the possibility of a royalty payment, but the size of the payment is unknown and when you'll get the payment is also unknown. During the drilling process and before any royalty is received you may find that your water has been polluted. There is no reimbursement for your costs in buying clean water to drink and wash with; over a year or two these costs can add up. But, the more important cost is the trampling of your rights as a landowner and citizen.
No comments:
Post a Comment