Pennsylvania landowners are often presented with oil and gas leases that appear straightforward—but in reality, these agreements are complex, highly technical contracts drafted to benefit the operator. Over the past 18+ years representing landowners across Pennsylvania, I have seen the same critical mistakes repeated—mistakes that can significantly reduce long-term income, restrict property rights, and create… Read more »
Posts By: Doug Clark
What Pennsylvania Landowners Must Know Before Signing a Natural Gas Lease in 2026
For many Pennsylvania landowners, receiving an offer to lease oil and gas rights can be both exciting and overwhelming. With the continued development of the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, landowners across Pennsylvania are frequently approached by landmen representing natural gas companies seeking to secure drilling rights. While these offers may appear straightforward, the reality… Read more »
Why Many Pennsylvania Landowners Receive Lower Gas Royalty Payments Than Expected
For many Pennsylvania landowners, the first royalty check from a natural gas well is a moment of anticipation. After signing a lease—often years earlier—landowners expect to finally see meaningful financial returns from the development of their property. However, a common experience across the Commonwealth is disappointment. Many landowners find that their royalty payments are significantly… Read more »
Why a Pugh Clause Is Critical in a 5-Year Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Lease with a 5-Year Extension Option
Preventing Partial Unitization from Holding Your Entire Property Without Additional Compensation When a natural gas company presents a lease offering: many landowners focus primarily on bonus dollars and royalty percentages. However, one of the most financially significant protections in that lease is the Pugh clause. Without a properly negotiated Pugh clause, a company can unitize… Read more »
Is an 8% Contingency Fee on an Oil and Gas Lease Bonus Fair to Pennsylvania Landowners?
Pennsylvania landowners negotiating oil and gas leases are increasingly being approached by third-party “landowner representation” groups offering to negotiate leases in exchange for a percentage of the per-acre bonus payment, often 8%. At first glance, this arrangement may sound reasonable, or even attractive. After all, who would not want professional help negotiating against a sophisticated… Read more »
Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Lease Attorney – 18+ Years Dedicated Exclusively to Landowners
Experienced Pennsylvania Gas Lease Attorney Representing Landowners — Never Gas Companies For more than 18 years, I have dedicated my legal career to representing oil, gas, and mineral rights owners across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I have never represented a gas company.I have never represented a pipeline company.And I never will. My practice is devoted… Read more »
The Rescigno v. Statoil/Equinor Settlement: A Landmark $7 Million Royalty Case for Pennsylvania Landowners — What It Means for Royalty Payment Rights in Pennsylvania
By Attorney Douglas A. ClarkPAGasLeaseAttorney.com | PipelineAttorney.comPennsylvania’s Landowner-Only Oil and Gas Attorney Introduction In the spring of 2025, the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Rescigno v. Statoil/Equinor & EQT (Equitrans), bringing to a final close one of the most important royalty-related legal actions in recent Pennsylvania natural gas history. I had the privilege… Read more »
All Things Marcellus®: (3/14/21)
All Things Marcellus® BIGFOOT Country 104.5 FM and WOGA 92.3 FM
Air Date: March 14, 2021
All Things Marcellus®: (2/28/21)
All Things Marcellus® BIGFOOT Country 104.5 FM and WOGA 92.3 FM
Air Date: February 28, 2021
All Things Marcellus®: (2/7/21)
All Things Marcellus® BIGFOOT Country 104.5 FM and WOGA 92.3 FM
Air Date: February 7, 2021
