I have received several calls from western PA landowners and they have provided me the Pipeline Right-of-Way OPTION Agreements presented to them by SWEPI over the last couple months.  I really want to urge landowners to carefully and thoroughly review these Option ROW Agreements before you sign anything.  

I have worked extensively on Pipeline ROW agreements across PA and find this proposed option agreement to be very troubling in many ways.  Landowners must really make sure you not only understand everything in the ROW Agreement that you are presented, but also understand what type of future activity you are exposing your property to, and at what compensation rates in the future.  It is often much easier to think about today than what the future holds.

I get calls virtually every week from landowners who regret signing company friendly ROW and other gas related agreements.  Please do not make the same mistake and regret it later.  Remember, just because someone else, or even many others, entered into bad agreements does not mean that you should do the same.  I am really concerned that landowners are signing ROW Option Agreements that they are going to regret later.  

I have reached Pipeline ROW Agreements with dozens of separate companies all across PA, including several with SWEPI in Tioga County.  I have serious concerns about the ROW Agreements that landowners in western PA are being presented with ,and how the landmen are reportedly pressuring them to sign quickly. Think about it, what is the rush to sign quickly when the ROW Agreement has a 3 year company option?  Please do not be pressured or rushed.  These are important decisions and require careful consideration. 

Also remember, if landowners refuse to sign inferior agreements the companies will have little choice but to present new agreements with better landowner terms.  Please be careful, and please get qualified, experience assistance.  With good credible advice and qualified assistance you will always make the right decision for you and your property.  Please be careful, and be informed.

Douglas A. Clark, Esq. - Protecting Pennsylvania Landowners