Updates
December 28, 2013: the state wins.
Original Post
I don't recall posting this, but it's hard to imagine I missed it. Be that as it may.
But here comes the judge, from Petroleum News: the mineral rights along/under the shore line belong to the State of North Dakota; this "public title excludes ownership and any proprietary interest by riparian landowners.
Drew Combs of Minerals Management division of Trust Lands said it is important for people understate the state’s position. “We’re not trying to make a land grab here,” Combs said, “We have a responsibility to the State of North Dakota.”There is enough conflicting legal code to suggest this will be going to the
ND Supreme Court.
ReplyDeleteIt will end there.
anon 1
A typo. You are absolutely correct. I was thinking "North Dakota" Supreme Court when I was typing that; my mind must have wandered for a moment. Regardless, I have corrected it. Thank you for picking that up.
DeleteA lot of river land is on the next auction list. I haven't checked, but wonder if the land the state claims, but might not own is on the list.
ReplyDeleteThis issue might create lots of problems. What about the old lease by someone, or the state, that doesn't own the minerals.
What about the royalties paid years ago?
What about the royalties to be paid soon?
What about the working interests?
Title is a mess.
It will be for a year, until the SCOND decision is final. Maybe longer if their decision creates new problems.
anon 1
I had the same thoughts. Titles in the oil industry are already very, very challenging; this has opened up a huge can of worms. Just determining the "riparian" stretch will be difficult; over the years, rivers change course. And occasionally flood. Determining low water mark/high water mark -- a lot of surveyors are going to be working this. Western North Dakota is going to be the most well-mapped rural area in the country.
DeleteThe Super Bowl
ReplyDelete....
has an unusual event....
pause in the game to demonstrate the effect of using wind energy
... when the wind doesn't blow, the lights go off.
This is a great public service demonstration. Better than wearing pink shoes.
anon 1
It is incredible, isn't it?
DeleteYou are absolutely right: I'm sure the wind turbines stopped spinning. Wow. It really is incredible, isn't it?
Now, I wonder if the "Ocean 11" team is anywhere in New Orleans this weekend? Conspiracy theorists are going to start coming out of the woodwork.
My hunch is this: the NFL script was for the 49'ers to win; when things started to go wrong (with the game), .... well, the rest is obvious.
Maybe someone thought solar panels would work during the night.
Delete