Bill > SB245

This bill requires that within 60 days of a drilling permit being issued, the operator must file a "Declaration of Pooled Unit" with the Clerk of the County Commission in the county where the wells are to be drilled, and provide proof of this filing to the oil and gas conservation commission. A "pooled unit" refers to a designated area of land that combines multiple mineral interests for the purpose of oil and gas extraction, allowing for more efficient development. The declaration must include specific details such as the unit's name, well information (API numbers and names), the taxing districts and county, a plat showing well locations and the unit area, and an index detailing each mineral and surface parcel, including lessor and lessee names, lease dates, recording information, and acreage contributions. If a wellbore penetrates two or more units, additional information is required, including details about the traversing wells, the units they cross, their total horizontal length, the percentage of perforation within each unit, and the operator's production allocation. Amendments to the declaration must also be filed within 60 days. Furthermore, operators must provide information about their acreage calculations to lessors or royalty owners upon request, and if an operator fails to comply with these requirements, affected parties can send a written request for compliance, and if the issue isn't resolved within 60 days, they can pursue legal action to enforce the provisions and recover associated costs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=245&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill