Law Commons^™

United States Steel Corp. V. Hoge: A Judicial Decision Which Fails To Solve The Coalbed Gas Ownership Problem, Steven P. Mcgowan

West Virginia Law Review

In the past decade the search for new and alternative energy sources has brought to the forefront a number of legal problems which have restricted the ability of industry to produce certain resources. Coalbed gas is one potential energy source whose development has been significantly impeded by legal questions. Ironically, the technical problems in coalbed gas exploitation, which in the past appeared insurmountable, have become secondary to the more complicated ownership issue. The uncertainty surrounding the ownership of coalbed gas rights has hampered development of this vital energy source. Surface owners and gas lessees have attempted to lay claim to …