With interest rising in oil and gas leasing across my district, I want property owners to have complete information about their options as they consider whether to sign leases for gas, oil or mineral resources. Property owners should consult their attorneys and be as fully informed as possible on the ins and outs of leasing.

Here is some information that should help.

For a brochure on "Landowner's Guide to Oil and Gas Leasing," call my office or use the following link to see a PDF of the brochure: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/brochure.pdf

For information on "compulsory integration," see the following DEC guide: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/guidecio.pdf

For a DEC overview of gas and oil leasing, click here >> http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/205.html .

http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1536.html - Protecting the Environment During Well Drilling and Operation

http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1532.html - What Landowners Need to Know About Oil and Gas Wells

Don't sign anything without reading it thoroughly and consulting an attorney!

Communities and local municipal governments can also be involved.

Towns may:
                         -- Require solicitors and prospectors to register so that town officials know what is going on within 
                             their borders;
                         -- Request to be part of the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) process with DEC 
                             as drilling permits are being reviewed.                        

Farm Bureau has been actively looking at this subject as well. Thanks to Chenango County Farm Bureau for their helpfulness and sharing information.

Here is a link to the Chenango County Farm Bureau and information on essentials of a lease before you sign >>http://www.ccfbny.org/issues/oil_lease/rules_2008_May.pdf

Here is a Q and A on what a 'landman,' or gas/oil solicitor, may offer >>http://www.ccfbny.org/issues/oil_lease/Landmen%20Sales%20Talk%202008%20ed.pdf

This a review of possible abuses found in gas/oil leasing >> http://www.ccfbny.org/issues/oil_lease/Lease%20Abuses%20and%20Deceptive%20practices%202008%20ny%20ed.pdf

Here is a sample complaint form >>http://www.ccfbny.org/issues/oil_lease/Gas%20complaint%20form08.pdf