Judge tosses challenge to DRBC gas drilling ban
Friday, April 7, 2017
A federal judge threw out a lawsuit by a group of Wayne County landowners, which challenged the Delaware River Basin Commission’s right to regulate oil and gas development in the region, according to State Impact.
The landowners argued the commission lacks the authority to review and approve natural gas development on their land. However, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Marini said the landowners plans to drill would be considered a project under the DRBC’s Compact — the document that has governed the commission since it was set up in 1961.
The decision ends a threat to a ruling on shale gas development in the basin that has stood since 2010.
Learn more: State Impact > Judge throws out challenge to DRBC authority over gas drilling in basin
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What are mineral rights?
Mineral rights are the rights of the owner of the property to mine or produce any resources below the surface of the property. Mineral rights are different from surface rights.
Will I get free natural gas if I allow fracking on my property?
Maybe. It depends on your particular lease agreement. Some companies allow property owners a yearly free gas allowance. But, the process of connecting your property to the gas source may be more complicated. Some companies will provide a hookup, others require the landowner to provide one.