Despite its recent ruling in Andrews v. Antero, the West Virginia Supreme Court’s most recent ruling represents a rare victory for its residents, according to Shale Ohio.
EQT was sued by landowners and lessors Crowder and Wentz after it drilled on their land to access natural gas underneath neighboring properties. The high court ruled in favor of the landowners, determining lesses may only use surface lands to aid in the development of minerals and they may not use the surface lands of a lessor to develop an adjacent tract without the express permission of the landowner.
In defining EQT’s actions as trespassing, the 5-0 ruling sets a legal precedent.
Learn more: Shale Ohio > West Virginia decisions highlight conflict between oil & gas companies, landowners
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