Marcellus landowner workshop flyer

Look before you lease (and after too)

We're holding workshops in Pennsylvania and Ohio for landowners considering leasing or who have already leased, and anyone concerned about surface owner rights, leasing, and the impacts of gas development.

Gas drilling is taking off across the Marcellus Shale region, and many landowners and communities wonder what it means. Spend time with experts in mineral leasing and accounting, corporate accountability, and gas development regulations. Learn about the leasing process, industry tactics, and what leasing means for you, your neighbors, and community. Get answers to questions such as:

• Why does industry want to drill for gas on my land?
• What can I do to protect my land and health if I lease?
• What is a Surface Use Agreement?
• What does forced pooling (called compulsory integration in NY) mean?
• Can I choose to not lease and to not have the company take gas from my land?
• Can I get out of a lease I no longer want?
• For which parts of gas development am I entitled to royalties, and what are fair terms?
• What can I do if a company fails to minimize impact on my land?
• What if I disagree with the location of the well pad and/or other facilities?
• What are the rights of adjacent property owners and other neighbors?
• What does it mean to bear the burden of proof in litigation?
• Will the company compensate me for damages?

Speakers and guests include: Bob Miller, oil and gas attorney; Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA and oil and gas accounting specialist; Gwen Lachelt, Director of EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP); Nadia Steinzor, Marcellus Regional Organizer, OGAP; and representatives from local governments and citizens organizations.

Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Marcellus OGAP: 315-677-4111 or nsteinzor@earthworks.org.