West Virginia Governor Signs Law Intended to Boost Natural Gas Drilling

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Gov. Jim Justice has signed a new law to allow drilling for natural gas beneath West Virginia property where 75 percent of owners of its royalty interests agree.

It takes effect July 1.

Under current law, a single co-owner can block drilling, though a developer can sue to partition the property and proceed.

Critics argued that it strips property rights from minority owners.

Under the law, they would be guaranteed a share of the highest royalty or a share in the producer’s revenues and costs as an investor.

Justice says it will allow for development while protecting owner rights.