SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2010 SESSION

  • | print version

SB 376 Coalbed methane gas; presumption of ownership, report.

Introduced by: Phillip P. Puckett | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Coalbed methane gas; presumption regarding estate of owner of surface rights.  Provides that a conveyance, reservation, or exception of coal shall not be deemed to include coalbed methane gas. The presumption does not affect (i) a coal operator's right to vent coalbed methane gas for safety purposes or release coalbed methane gas in connection with mining operations or (ii) any settlement of any dispute, or any judgment or governmental order, as to the ownership or development of coalbed methane gas made or entered prior to the enactment of this provision. The Auditor of Public Accounts is required to conduct an operational and performance review of the accounting policies and procedures for the collection and disbursement of the escrow accounts by the Virginia Gas and Oil Board. The review will include (i) best practices for the collection of funds from gas operators to ensure that the Virginia Gas and Oil Board receives all moneys owing under law and allocates such moneys to entitled owners; (ii) best management practices for the disbursement of funds to ensure that entitled owners are promptly notified and able to access their funds; and (iii) recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes governing the management and accounting of all escrow funds under the control of the Virginia Gas and Oil Board. The bill declares that an emergency exists and that the bill is effective upon passage. This bill is identical to HB 1179.


FULL TEXT

AMENDMENTS

HISTORY