Bill Allowing Mining With 75% Landowner Approval Advances to Full Senate

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill aimed at streamlining coal mining operations on jointly owned property has advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 686 would allow coal operators to begin mining on a tract of land if 75 percent or more of the ownership interest agrees. Landowners who do not consent would still receive their proportional share of compensation, and operators would be shielded from legal action as long as the mining is conducted lawfully.
The bill includes provisions for situations where some landowners cannot be located. In those cases, the payments owed to missing owners would be placed into a special fund managed by the State Treasurer. The fund would hold the money for seven years, during which claims could be made. After that period, surface owners could claim future rights, though not past payments.
Supporters say the bill helps prevent a single missing or dissenting owner from halting mining projects that have broad support among stakeholders. The legislation also includes protections for surface land rights and miner safety.
The committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage.