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 »
Posts Tagged: Gas Lease
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®: Lease Termination, Pugh Clauses, & Depth Severance (4/17/16)
0 – 15 Minutes
Doug discusses oil and gas lease termination language and when do gas leases terminate. What is “held by production” and how can I tell if my gas lease has ended? Doug discusses what energy companies and drilling companies have to do to continue a gas lease beyond the primary term. Can a natural gas company park a truck on my property or must they drill and pay me royalties to extend my lease, or is the answer somewhere in the middle. Doug breaks down a typical 5 year gas lease and when a lease will terminate or continue beyond 5 years. Doug also begins the Pugh Clause discussion and how non-unitized acreage can be released under certain circumstances.
All Things Marcellus® GEM 104, KZFM 96.9, KC 101.5 FM, and 1250 AM The Answer
Air Date: April 17, 2016
All Things Marcellus®: Gas Lease Extension Overview
0 – 15 Minutes
Doug explains how The Clark Law Firm, PC represents landowners and oil and gas right owners across Pennsylvania and clients across the country. Doug addresses why he has been hired by gas and pipeline company employees and Landman to represent them on their own personal property and gas right ownership. Why do company representatives and employees hire knowledgeable oil and gas attorney’s to represent them in private affairs? Landowners must recognize that the gas company Landman is out to negotiate the best possible deal in favor of the company they work for, and not you, the landowner. No gas company or pipeline company Landman goes to the landowner’s house and tells them that they are working for the company and they are out to get the best deal for the company and give the landowner the worst terms possible. Even company representatives and Landman know the benefits and will often hire attorney’s to work for them in their own private matters involving gas and pipeline companies.
All Things Marcellus® GEM 104, KZFM 96.9, KC 101.5 FM, and 1250 AM The Answer
Air Date: March 20, 2016
All Things Marcellus® – Royalty Statement and Gas Lease Reviews (2/21/16)
0 – 15 Minutes
Doug discusses expanding All Things Marcellus to southwestern Pennsylvania in such areas as Greene County, Washington County and beyond and the need for quality information to assist landowners in making the best decisions for their property. A quick summary of oil and gas prices and why companies are cutting production volumes of natural gas and seeking to delay drilling shale gas wells in Pennsylvania.
All Things Marcellus® GEM 104 and KZFM
Air Date: February 21, 2016
All Things Marcellus® – Lease Amendment Show (2/7/16)
0 – 15 Minutes
Doug welcomes KC101 in Tioga County as a new station hat is now broadcasting All Things Marcellus every Saturday and Sunday from 9-10AM. Doug discusses the spirit and intent of the radio show as and begins addressing interesting amendment of oil and gas lease agreements and the trend for more and more amendments, modifications, and extensions of gas and pipeline agreements due to low natural gas prices.
All Things Marcellus® GEM 104 and KZFM
Air Date: February 7, 2016
