Should Broome County, NY Retain Mineral Rights (Including Gas Rights) on Properties Seized for Back Taxes?

In 2008, Broome County, NY starting retaining the mineral rights of properties it had seized for unpaid taxes and later resold. The policy was implemented before the Marcellus Shale was even thought of in the county. Broome County sits just across the border from Susquehanna County, PA and is squarely in the middle of what some believe to be some of the highest producing parts of the Marcellus Shale, so mineral rights and who owns the gas beneath the land has suddenly become a big deal.

Some county legislators argue that the county’s original move to retain the mineral rights violates personal property rights. Others want to keep this potential pot of gold in county coffers. A vote on the matter is due this week.

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