Your rights as a lease holder

Even if you have signed a gas lease, you still have rights – although these will vary state by state.

Your rights are guaranteed by PA Constitution, Article 1 Section 27, which states:

"The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people."

Obtain a copy of your lease at the County Recorder of Deeds which could have important clauses to review which are often problematic.

Non-negotiable rights

To learn about the rights you have that are non-negotiable, even if you have a lease, see Mountain Watershed Associations Know Your Rights Guide (a google doc ).

Terminating your lease

Depending on your situation there may be grounds to terminate your lease. Consult with an attorney to review your lease and identify if grounds for termination exist:

  • Failure to initiate operations within a negotiated primary term
  • Failure to produce in paying quantities
  • Cessation of production
  • Failure to pay fees owed

Leaseholder Resources

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