The implied covenant to market gas vs. the shut-in royalty clause: How long can the well be shut-in?

By Robert J. Burnett, Esquire 

This is a familiar but troubling issue for a growing number of landowners throughout the Marcellus Shale fairway.  Imagine you own 145 acres in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.  You sign a lease with a modest signing bonus in 2007.  You soon realize that your signing bonus is…

In the wake of the “Fiscal Cliff” deal in early January, I’ve received numerous calls from owners of mineral rights asking how the new law will affect them.  I’ve put together the following summary to help mineral rights owners understand the recent legislation, known as the “American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.”

3.8% Medicare Surtax for Taxpayers with Income over $200,000 or $250,000.  The new 3.8% surtax will affect single taxpayers with income over $200,000 and…

Last year, Chesapeake Energy released the results of its Buell 8H well in Archer Township, Harrison County, to much fanfare. The returns – a peak rate of 9.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 1,425 barrels per day of natural gas liquids and oil (3,010 barrels of oil equivalent) per day – sent a strong signal…