Oil & Gas/Mineral Rights
One of the most important developments to affect Northeastern, Northcentral and Southwestern Pennsylvania since the discovery of oil in Western Pennsylvania in the 19th century has been the creation of cost-effective technology and favorable market conditions to extract natural gas from a mineral stratum known as the Marcellus Shale. The synergy between this natural resource and modern production techniques has also created a need for lawyers who can provide solutions for landowners who wish to lease their mineral rights and represent them when a question or dispute arises over the ownership of the surface and subsurface estates in real property.
Lawyers Who Possess All the Skills Needed to Advise You
Tressler Saunders’ lawyers have represented Pennsylvania landowners, both in-state and non-resident, in leasing of oil and gas rights since the natural gas rush exploded in Pennsylvania. Our knowledge and experience in this area has been sought out by major media publications such as the Wall Street Journal and prominent Wall Street venture capital firms. We have advised Pennsylvania landowners with property in over 13 different counties in the Marcellus Shale - some who live as far away as Alaska.
The ability to represent a landowner in mineral rights leasing involves more than an understanding of general real estate law. One of the most significant and often unrecognized elements of knowledge a lawyer must possess to properly advise clients in this area is environmental law and the implications that natural gas development can have on the soil, air, water and ultimately, a property’s future marketability and long-term value.
A long background and experience in environmental law is one of the elements that separates Tressler Saunders from the competition in the oil and natural gas and mineral rights arena. From understanding and tracking the evolving legislative and regulatory permitting and operating framework in Pennsylvania, to advising clients on the economic trends in the larger oil and gas industry, we provide both the expected and value-added service a landowner needs to make an informed decision about whether, and on what terms, to enter into a natural gas lease.
Questions Involving Subsurface Ownership or Control
You do not have to have a natural gas lease to become involved in a dispute over who has the right to access your property and develop its potentially numerous and distinct subsurface mineral interests. Old deeds or leases can reserve mineral rights to prior individuals and may survive far into the future. Make certain that your lawyer understands the laws governing mineral rights in Pennsylvania and the difference between the surface rights, the right of support, and the potentially separate ownership rights not only to oil and gas, but also all minerals beneath the surface of the land. Is a lease you already signed still in effect? Has a natural gas developer breached the terms of an existing lease, and if so, what rights do you have to protect your investment? Is the land burdened with a pipeline easement, storage agreement or other right of access?
Contact Tressler Saunders if you are contemplating a transaction involving any mineral right, or should you need assistance with a mineral rights dispute with a prior owner or a natural gas developer claiming leasing rights to natural gas or other minerals on your property.