Corbett Listens To Royalty Complaints From Bradford County Commissioners

Bradford County’s two Republican commissioners were in Harrisburg today meeting with Governor Corbett to discuss widespread complaints some companies are underpaying gas royalties.
Commissioners Doug McLinko and Daryl Miller spent about half and hour talking to Corbett and his staff this afternoon.
“The governor was very receptive. He listened,” says McLinko, “I’m very happy with the meeting.”
McLinko wouldn’t elaborate on what was specifically discussed, but he remains supportive of the natural gas industry and says only a few companies are out of line.
He adds many of his constituents are small property owners.
“This is not about a lot of money. It’s about principle. We’re going to still fight on a local basis.”
Many of the complaints have centered around Pennsylvania’s biggest gas driller, Chesapeake Energy.
The governor’s Energy Executive, Patrick Henderson, sent an emailed statement about the meeting to StateImpact*:

Governor Corbett appreciated the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised by Commissioners McLinko and Miller. The Governor’s primary interest is in ensuring that landowners are treated fairly and that their lease agreements are honored …
The recent public hearing chaired by Sen. Yaw was particularly helpful in framing several of the very complex legal issues surrounding royalty payments. While there is no silver bullet to this issue, the Governor is committed to protecting the interests of Pennsylvania’s landowners.

*This post has been updated with a comment from the governor’s office

Editor's Picks