The Associated Press published a
story stating Hess Corporation and Newfield Appalachia Exploration have
begun terminating leases in northern Wayne County. Landowners in Wayne County
have been receiving letters
from the two drilling and exploration companies that natural gas leases in the
region would be terminated. Upfront payments that were part of each lease have
been paid to landowners; however, further payments for the development of gas
wells will not be paid. Newfield officials stated the company was redirecting
its focus to the production of oil, rather than gas, and Hess officials
declined to comment.
Currently, drilling is halted in Wayne County until the
Delaware River Basin Commission takes
action on draft drilling regulations. The Northern Wayne Property Owners
Association urged the DRBC to allow drilling, in a letter
dated June 27, 2013.
Written by: Garrett Lent, Research Assistant
Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center
July 2013
