Coalbed methane (CBM) and natural gas extraction is growing rapidly in southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. Many have embraced coalbed methane and natural gas as types of 'clean' energy, yet the ownership questions that surround the extraction of CBM are just about as dirty as can be.

This page is meant to be a resource for affected and concerned landowners; in no way should anything here be used in lieu of contacting a knowledgeable attorney.

WARNING!! The Mountain Watershed Association is warning anyone who has been approached to sign a conveyance of mineral rights, including natural gas or coalbed methane, to be VERY WARY and to consult a knowledgeable attorney prior to making any decisions or SIGNING ANYTHING. For more information, please contact MWA at 724-455-4200.

• Toolkit distributed at our recent landowner's workshops on gas leasing and development. This document contains information on the permitting process, leasing, development and mineral ownership as well as a list of attorneys working on these issues
• Surface Owners Rights and Responsiblities Fact Sheet produced by MWA and the Center for Coalfield Justice
• Coalbed methane informational Fact Sheet and Brochure produced by the Greene, Fayette and Washington County Conservation Districts
• Well Water Fact Sheet produced by the PA DEP
• View an agreement that landowners should be very wary of signing.
• Get a quick overview of the permitting process for gas and cbm well
• Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Production in Pennsylvania prepared by PA DEP

Information and News Coverage of Marcellus Shale drilling:

• Marcellus Formation information on Wikipedia
• Natural Gas Below State's Deep Shale Attracts Speculators
• Pennsylvania Orders Two Marcellus Shale E&P's to Stop Taking Water