WV HB4867

Expands existing reporting and payment requirements from horizontal wells only to all oil and gas wells in West Virginia, requiring operators to provide detailed monthly statements showing production volumes, prices, deductions, and interest owner shares

Codifies the Wellman v. Energy Resources (2001) and Estate of Tawney v. Columbia Natural Resources (2006) court decisions, establishing that lessees must bear all costs of exploring, producing, marketing, and transporting oil and gas to the point of sale unless the lease explicitly provides otherwise

Requires royalty payments to be based on actual proceeds received at the final point of sale to an unaffiliated third party, including all premiums and bonuses, with deductions only permitted when the lease specifically identifies them and their calculation method

Establishes automatic lease termination if royalty payments are not made within 30 days of written notice, and imposes treble damages plus attorney fees for lessors who prevail in court disputes over inaccurate payments

Mandates quarterly reporting to the DEP Office of Oil and Gas on production, prices received, and severance taxes paid, with information to be posted publicly on the DEP website