HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 84

(By Delegates Frederick, Amores and Craig)




Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the process of granting and denying well work permits for the drilling of gas wells near active coal mines.

 WHEREAS , Well work permits are required by the code of the State of West Virginia for any person to commence any well work within the State of West Virginia.
 WHEREAS , Well work permits to drill and extract gas are essential to protect the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the State of West Virginia.
WHEREAS , Well work permits protect the rights of businesses participating in the coal and gas mining industry in the State of West Virginia.
 WHEREAS , A review and study of the well work permit granting process will ensure that every interested party's rights throughout the permitting process are being considered and protected; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the process of granting and denying well work permits for the drilling of gas wells near active coal mines; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with the drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.