If you own mineral rights in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio, you may have heard the term forced pooling but might not fully understand what it means. Forced pooling laws allow oil and gas companies to extract minerals from landowners who have not voluntarily signed a lease if enough other landowners in the area have agreed to lease their rights.

While some landowners benefit from forced pooling through royalty payments, others may find themselves included in drilling projects without having a say in the terms. If you’re wondering, “What is forced pooling, and how does it affect me?”, this guide will break it all down.

What Is Forced Pooling?

Forced pooling (also called compulsory pooling or statutory pooling) is a legal process that allows oil and gas companies to extract oil, natural gas, or other minerals from a drilling area—even if some landowners haven’t signed a lease.

The concept was designed to:

• Prevent waste by ensuring full extraction of underground resources.
• Improve efficiency by reducing the number of well sites.
• Ensure that holdout landowners still receive some compensation.

However, not all landowners agree with forced pooling, as it can limit negotiation power and force mineral owners into contracts they did not voluntarily accept.

How Forced Pooling Works in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio

Forced pooling laws vary by state, and each state has different rules about when and how landowners can be included in drilling projects.

Forced Pooling in Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania does not have forced pooling laws for unconventional wells (such as those using hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus and Utica Shales).
• Forced pooling may apply to older conventional wells, but it does not affect most modern drilling projects.

🔹 What this means for landowners:

• If you own mineral rights in Pennsylvania, you cannot be forced into a drilling unit for new horizontal drilling projects.
• You have full control over whether or not you lease your mineral rights.

Forced Pooling in West Virginia

• In 2022, West Virginia passed a forced pooling law for horizontal drilling.
• If 75% of landowners in a drilling unit agree to lease, the remaining 25% may be forced into the unit.

🔹 What this means for landowners:

• If most of your neighbors lease their rights, you may be required to participate.
• You will receive compensation, but you won’t have control over lease terms.

Forced Pooling in Ohio

• Ohio has one of the most aggressive forced pooling laws in the region.
• If 65% of mineral owners in a drilling unit sign a lease, companies can request a mandatory pooling order for the remaining landowners.

🔹 What this means for landowners:

• If enough of your neighbors sign, you could be forced into a drilling agreement.
• You will receive royalties, but you lose the ability to negotiate your contract terms.

Is Forced Pooling Good or Bad for Landowners?

✅ Potential Benefits of Forced Pooling

✔ Ensures fair compensation for landowners who might otherwise receive nothing.
✔ Prevents waste by making sure resources are fully extracted.
✔ Reduces excess well sites that can disrupt land and surface rights.

❌ Potential Downsides of Forced Pooling

❌ Landowners lose negotiation power and must accept pre-set terms.
❌ Future royalties may be lower than if a landowner had signed a private lease.
❌ Some landowners feel their rights are being taken away without their full consent.

How to Protect Your Rights as a Landowner

If you own mineral rights in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio and want to avoid being force pooled, here’s what you can do:

1. Stay Informed on State Laws

Forced pooling laws change frequently, and new regulations could impact your property. Keep up with legislative updates in your state.

2. Consider Leasing Before Forced Pooling Happens

If you’re approached with a lease offer, compare multiple offers before deciding. Leasing voluntarily often provides better terms than being force pooled.

3. Seek Professional Advice

A mineral rights consultant or attorney can help you evaluate offers and understand your options. If forced pooling is a possibility in your area, selling your mineral rights before it happens may be a smarter financial move.

If you’ve been wondering, “What is forced pooling, and how does it affect me?”, the answer depends on where your mineral rights are located and your long-term financial goals.

• Pennsylvania landowners have more control and cannot be forced into new horizontal drilling projects.
• West Virginia and Ohio landowners face real risks of being force pooled if a majority of their neighbors lease their mineral rights.

If you want to avoid forced pooling and secure the best possible value for your mineral rights, American Mineral Solutions can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and valuation of your mineral rights.