In a case of first impression in West Virginia, on April 15, 2016, Judge David W. Hummel, Chief Judge of the 2nd Judicial Circuit (Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler Counties, West Virginia), entered an order ruling that there is an implied right to pool an oil and gas lease. The case, American Energy – Marcellus, LLC v. Poling, et al., Civil Action No. 15-C-34 H, involved an 1894 lease held by production but containing no express pooling clause. There were numerous unknown and missing heirs and a few current mineral owners who refused to sign pooling amendments. American Energy – Marcellus, LLC, now known as Ascent Resources – Marcellus, LLC, filed a civil action seeking a declaratory judgment that it had an implied right to pool the lease with others to form a drilling unit or, alternatively, seeking a partition by allotment and sale of the oil and gas estate. Ascent then moved for summary judgment on the request for a declaratory order.
The Court found that the lease was silent on the subject of pooling. Yet, horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing and formation of units are necessary to economically develop the shale formations. The Court analyzed the law and theoretical underpinnings surrounding implied covenants and implied rights, the purpose of a lease (being production of oil and gas and payment of royalties), and public policy. The Court found that an implied right to pool and unitize is reasonably necessary, does not harm the mineral owners, promotes development, prevents delay and unproductiveness, implements the intent of the parties, and is consistent with public policy. The Court held that Ascent has an implied right to pool the oil and gas lease.
The Court also specified the terms and conditions upon which the lease could be pooled and unitized (e.g., operations in unit are deemed operations on each lease, allocation of production and payment of royalties on basis of acreage, etc.).
The complete order can be accessed here.
Ascent is represented by Kenneth Tawney at (304) 340-1189 or ktawney@jacksonkelly.com and James Matthew Davis at (304 340-1158 or jmdavis@jacksonkelly.com, Jackson Kelly PLLC.