The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized the Biden administration's new tax on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, raising important questions for royalty owners about potential impacts on their royalty payments in the form of additional post-production deductions.  And while this rule may get overturned by the GOP majority in the house, in the meantime operators may still need to report emissions for 2024. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this week's episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Natural gas currently trades at a massive discount to crude oil based on its energy content.  While oil has been hovering at around $70 per barrel, natural gas trades at just over $3 per thousand cubic feet (mcf).  We talk about how this pricing disconnect is creating opportunities as two major new demand sources emerge: AI data centers requiring reliable power and innovative gas-to-liquid technologies that can convert natural gas directly into gasoline and other fuels. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer listener questions from Candido, @kidcurry4107, and Kent about royalty deed scams and how to make sure a seller owns what they say they own, forced pooling and becoming a non-consenting mineral owner, how to download offset well data and perform due diligence on an investment, and how to determine interest on late payments. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month’s Mineral Rights News episode, we cover the launch of a tokenized mineral rights investment platform called "Elmnts" on the Solana protocol, the latest advancements in the Southwest Arkansas lithium project, what Trump winning the election could mean for the oil and gas markets, plus the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

When you grant a portion of your royalty right to someone without granting any of the other rights, you are granting what is called a Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI).  It does not “participate” in the ability to receive bonus payment or delay rentals, or the executive rights.  A Non-Participating Royalty Interest or NPRI allows the owner to receive a portion of the royalty payments from any oil and gas that is sold but does not give them the right to lease the associated mineral rights.  In this episode, we dive into the world of NPRI's and the difference between "floating" and "fixed" NPRI's and what you need to know if you own an NPRI or if you own mineral rights that are burdened by an NPRI. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer listener questions from Joyce, Steve, Bruce, Lydia, Sandra, Gary, and Sandra from strategies for minimizing taxes on royalty income, different ways to invest in mineral rights, including using 1031 exchanges, and guidance on calculating ownership interests and royalty payments.  We also touch on the intricacies of negotiating oil and gas leases, tracking down mineral rights ownership, and managing inherited mineral interests. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

https://mineralrightspodcast.com/mrp-261-mineral-rights-news-october-2024/In this month's news episode, we discuss two major stories about the Arkansas lithium extraction boom, a man is caught stealing royalties from a mineral owner, OPEC's forecast on the phasing out of oil, and the latest rig count!   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode, we provide an exclusive sneak-peak of the upcoming National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) convention in Houston from October 16-19, 2024 where you'll get the chance to meet Matt and network with other like-minded mineral & royalty owners. This annual event offers mineral and royalty owners a unique opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and stay updated on the latest trends and issues affecting their interests. The convention features a mix of educational sessions, covering topics from basic mineral ownership to advanced industry trends, as well as opportunities for professional certifications and valuable networking. Links to the special discount codes and to register for the event can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we answer questions from Jacob, Jean, Steve, Suzyyne, and Jill. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we discuss the proposed lithium royalty rate in Arkansas, oil price prognostications, and how the market is finally realizing that natural gas demand can only go up from here. As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial plans to store nuclear waste in America's busiest oil field, the Permian Basin. Did you know that there is already an existing nuclear waste storage facility that has been operating for 25 years on the New Mexico side of the Permian?  We discuss the pros and cons of this proposed facility and why several oil & gas companies are opposed to the plan. As always, links to the resources and articles mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

As a royalty interest owner, you need to be on the lookout for a new type of deceptive scam that's been making the rounds - the "term royalty deed" scheme. This tricky tactic is preying on unsuspecting mineral owners, so it's crucial to understand how it works so you don't fall victim. Experts in the mineral rights space have been sounding the alarm on this scam, which involves a particular unscrupulous landman acquiring what appears to be a simple one-year "term royalty assignment" from mineral owners. However, the fine print in these agreements is where the deception lies. Listen to learn more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month’s Mineral Rights News episode, we discuss the controversial expansion of the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, a bipartisan bill that aims to speed up approval of new energy projects, and the surprising forced Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings against a gas operator in East Texas, plus the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Pam, Les, Rebecca, "buttacupss7" (YouTube comment), Greg, and Al.  This episode was filled with questions ranging from negative royalty "payments", horizontal pooling, how to interpret your oil & gas lease, getting started with mineral investing, API numbers, and more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Pennsylvania's natural gas fields have the potential to produce a significant amount of lithium - enough to make a real dent in US demand. There are regional differences that could affect production strategies. And while there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits are substantial.  We dive in to this and more. As always, links to the reports and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Currently, the United States is experiencing a natural gas boom. We have so much gas that in some areas, prices have even gone negative. This oversupply has led to wasteful practices like flaring, where excess gas is burned off at well sites.  Did you know that based on energy content alone, natural gas should be priced at about one-sixth the price of oil. However, gas is currently trading much lower than this ratio would suggest. This price disparity creates an opportunity for innovative solutions.  We talk about how an amazing technology that has been around for over 100 years is being piloted in the Permian Basin to convert excess natural gas to valuable products like gasoline.   As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Ben, Mark, Jennie, and David. This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from how to value non-operated working interests and how to find a buyer, the differences between different types of oil & gas interests, lease washouts, how to find production data for Oklahoma, and the DIY method to get interests transferred to your name, and more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in the episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Happy Independence Day and happy Episode #250! In this month’s Mineral Rights News episode, we discuss an important new endangered listing for rare lizard could slow oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin, a report on the production forecast for 2025, and a surprising lithium discovery in Pennsylvania, plus the rig count! As always, links the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

I had a great conversation with Registered Professional Landman, Ryan Fairbanks, recently.  We discussed a wide range of topics including what it is like to be an independent landman to how other oil and gas professionals and mineral/royalty owners can benefit from networking with their peers.  Ryan also talks about his podcast, the Landman Pivot Podcast, and how a learning mindset can prepare us for whatever is next in life. As always, links to the resources and how to connect with Ryan can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

https://mineralrightspodcast.com/mrp-248-how-to-find-oil-gas-lithium-info-for-arkansas/(opens in a new tab)In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas (& Lithium) info using the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, how to find out the lithium potential of your mineral rights, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

Who owns the minerals beneath roads, could U.S. oil mergers help stabilize prices, the outlook for natural gas, what OPEC+ did, and the rig count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com!

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Heidi, Greg, Sarah, Nikki, Eric, and a listener who wishes to remain anonymous. This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from the difference between MCF and MMBtu's and how to audit gas royalties, Lithium, leasing the minerals and surface rights, going through ancillary probate in New Mexico, wastewater disposal issues and earthquakes, getting information from a previous operator, and more. Some of the listener questions in this episode are addressed in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity.  Thanks again to everyone who left a review or who submitted a question!  If you have a question about your minerals or royalties, send it to [email protected] and we may feature it in an upcoming episode! As always, resources mentiond in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the future of energy and why the world is going to need more affordable, reliable energy in the coming decades - not less.  With net zero by 2050 as the goal, what is this likely to mean for oil & gas production in the future?  Be sure to watch the accompanying YouTube Video to see the charts and other visuals we discuss throughout this episode.   As always, links to the the video and other resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Tom, Anita, Ronnie, Karen, and Raegan.  This episode was filled with a wide variety of questions from tips for locating missing minerals and royalties, dealing with non-payment by an operator, educating yourself (and others) about minerals, if your minerals might be prospective for lithium, and how to determine if your operator drilled a new well in time before the primary term of your lease expired, and more. Be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the resources mentioned in this episode!

In this month’s Mineral Rights News episode, we give an update on the refilling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the BLM withdraws 220,000 acres of federal land from future oil, gas, and mineral development in Colorado, the state of Alaska sues the federal government over Pebble Mine takings claim. And the Rig Count! As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

You may see that one or more of the wells on your property is listed as "shut-in" or "plugged and abandoned" on the state oil & gas commission website and wonder what this means for your future royalties.  In this episode, we explain some of the main reasons wells can end up getting shut-in and whether they can be restarted.  We also explore scenarios where an operator may re-enter a previously abandoned wellbore instead of drilling an entirely new well. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Tyler, Margaret Ann, Nate, Gene, Robert, Anna, and Allen.  This one was interesting because we talked about some new topics like:  how to underwrite a mineral rights investment, the Haynesville Shale, minimum thresholds for royalty payments, Oklahoma Senate Bill 212, secondary market for non-operated working interests, educating yourself (and others) about minerals, and more.   As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas info using the Wyoming Oil & Gas Conservation Commission website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The Osage Nation forces a company to remove wind farm in Oklahoma, Saudi Aramco CEO keeps it real at CERAWeek, NM looks to raise royalty rates in the Permian. And the Rig Count! Tribal sovereignty trumps wind in Oklahoma - POLITICO Big Oil Sets the Agenda on CERAWeek’s Opening Day - Bloomberg New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin | AP News Rig Count As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com  

In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas info using the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources - Oil & Gas Division website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

The interpretation and application of the regulatory takings principle have evolved over time, but the fundamental principle remains: the government cannot take private property (including mineral rights) for public use without providing just compensation to the owner.  In this episode, we talk abut cases where mineral owner's property rights were taken by govenment regulation and what protections we have to ensure that we receive "just compensation." As always, links to the resources we mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

How have oil & gas production been affected by the Texas wildfires? Colorado legislators propose phase out of new oil & gas wells by 2030, and is underground hydrogen the next big thing?  And the Rig Count! Has Oil and Gas Production Been Affected by the Texas Wildfires? | Rigzone Colorado is set to consider a ‘fossil fuel phase-out.’ Here’s why that’s a big deal. Underground hydrogen deposits spur excitement in Washington Rig Count   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode we answer listener questions submitted by Dave, Bill, Monica, Mary, Katie, Kelly, and David.  We cover a lot of ground including:  surface use agreements, helium, leasing, dormant mineral rights, how to read a legal description, orphan wells, prior period adjustments vs. recoupment, how to calculate your net acreage and decimal interest in a well, and more! For links to the resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at: mineralrightspodcast.com. Many of the questions in this episode are addressed in my Mineral Management Basics online course, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, and how to find missing royalties. 

In preparation for tax season, this episode provides an update on the taxation of minerals and royalties for the 2023 tax year. It covers key considerations that mineral and royalty owners should be aware of when it comes to their tax obligations and key tax credits and deductions that all mineral and royalty owners should know about. Download my free tax guide for links to my top resources around mineral rights and royalty interest taxation and be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the other resources mentioned in this episode.

In this episode we talk about how to find oil & gas info using the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (UDOGM) website.  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own.  Be sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video to see what we are talking about. If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this episode as well as the different types of mineral and leasehold interests, from how to read a legal description, how to perform a title search, and how to identify nearby oil and gas activity, be sure to check out my Mineral Management Basics Online Course. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

We discuss how Biden’s pausing of new LNG permits could hurt gas prices, how lithium prices have fallen, controversy around new New Mexico oil and gas rules, Colorado regulators propose rules that consider the “cumulative impact” of oil and gas operations, plus the latest rig count!   Biden stalls natural gas exports that activists call ‘climate bombs’ - The Washington Post Why Lithium Prices Crashed by 80% Controversial proposed oil and gas bill passes first committee | Local News | santafenewmexican.com Colorado oil and gas regulators mull rule to address 'cumulative impacts' on climate, air quality Rig Count   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com  

In this episode we show you how to find oil & gas data using the New Mexico OCD website (with a tip on how to view horizontal wells in a free tool that is available).  As before, we walk step-by-step how to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced in a given month, and more. This assumes you already know your legal description and the type of oil & gas interests you own. If you don't know the legal description of your oil & gas interests, check out my online course, Mineral Management Basics where I teach you about the different types of land ownership rights and the differences between the types of interests that make up the mineral and leasehold estates, the important documents for mineral and royalty owners and how to organize them, how to perform a title search, and more. As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we show you how to navigate the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission website (formerly the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission) to locate your mineral or royalty interests to see if you should be getting paid on a well.  We also show you how to access the official oil & gas production data reported to the state to use in checking your royalty statements. Be sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video to see how we are able to locate this important information and as always the show notes can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

We talk about the New York Stock Exchange's proposal to list Natural Asset Companies (NAC's) and what it could mean for mineral owners, the forecast for additional oil company mergers in 2024, ExxonMobil's big plans for lithium exploration in Arkansas, plus the latest rig count! SEC delays decision on natural asset companies | Livestock | capitalpress.com Mergers and acquisitions in top EY's list of 2024 trends in energy Arkansas Advocate : ExxonMobil to begin lithium extraction in Arkansas as officials hope for the start of a boom | Business | magnoliareporter.com Rig Count As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

Did you know that an overriding royalty interest (ORRI) or Non-Operated Working Interest can be terminated to wipe the slate clean so the operator can re-lease the same acreage without these burdens on the new lease?  This situation is called a lease washout and we talk about what you should do to protect your interests as well as how it can impact mineral owners.  As always, additional resources can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.  

In this episode, we show you how to navigate the Oklahoma Corporation Commission website to locate your mineral or royalty interests to see if you should be getting paid on a well.  We also show you how to access the official oil & gas production data reported to the state to use in checking your royalty statements. Be sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video to see how we are able to locate this important information and as always the show notes can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode we walk you step-by-step how to use the Texas Railroad Commission Website to find your minerals or royalties on a map to determine if you should be getting paid on a well. We also show you how to download important documents related to your wells, how to see how much oil & gas was produced and sold in a given month, and more. Be sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video to see this in action. As always, show notes with the links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found at mineralrightspodcast.com.  

OPEC’s latest round of production cuts faced skepticism, CO courts side with Civitas in legal battle with Boulder County, and the social media cage match between OPEC and the IEA, plus the latest rig count!  Opec+ production cuts leave oil market sceptical Colorado high court sides with oil company in mineral right lease battle with Boulder County OPEC : Whose ‘moment of truth’? Rig Count As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

In this episode we talk about what you should do if your operator is late paying you royalties including statutes around timing for royalty payments in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado and when you should be paid interest. Check out the free form letter I've created for you to contact your operator about late or missing royalty payments. As always, resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.      

In this episode we delve into crucial year-end tax strategies that may be available to mineral and royalty owners so that you can keep more of your hard-earned income.  From deferring income to strategically optimize tax liabilities,  offsetting or deferring the tax liability when you sell, establishing a step-up in cost basis with inherited minerals and royalties, avoiding backup withholding, to accelerating your royalty income, we explore several strategies that all mineral and royalty owners should be aware of. As always, the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.  And our attorneys would cringe if we forgot to mention that the information in this episode is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice.

My guest this week is Jared Machen, a certified financial planner and the chief operating officer of Brownlee Wealth Management.  Brownlee is a fee-only firm dedicated to helping oil & gas professionals lower their taxes, simplify their investments, and grow their wealth.  Jared is also the co-host of the Financial Planning for Oil & Gas Professionals Podcast.   I'm really excited for this episode because Jared and I had a great conversation about how to think about financial planning as a whole but also with a focus on how your minerals and royalties fit into the picture.  Be sure to have a pen and paper handy because this one is full of useful tips.   Be sure to check out the resources mentiond in this episode in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

Why U.S. oil companies are investing heavily in more oil and gas, the outlook for oil prices with recent geopolitical turmoil, and new Colorado bonding requirements put into action.  And the Rig Count!   Why Exxon and Chevron are doubling down on fossil fuel energy with big acquisitions World Bank: Major Escalation In Israel-Hamas War Could Send Oil Soaring To $157 | OilPrice.com Oil, gas regulators boost KP Kauffman's proposed $10M well cleanup bond to $133M Rig Count   As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com

Next week is the official launch of Mineral Management Basics, my first online course, and I'm excited to share what I have been working on! If you are one of my email subscribers you may already know that I had a small group of students go through a bootcamp in early 2023 to provide feedback on the course content.  Well, I'm happy to say that I finally finished the pre-recorded version of the course and it is now available for purchase! In this episode, I wanted to share a sneak-peek at some of the content that is included in the first module of the course which covers the different types of oil and gas interests and how they relate to each other. If you are interested in understanding what you and your family own, this is the place to start.  Whether you are an existing mineral owner looking to understand what you own or an if you are an aspiring mineral investor, this course has something for you.  In Mineral Management Basics, you'll learn everything you need to know about the basics of mineral management.  With high-quality videos (that aren’t too long) and examples along the way, you'll learn about the important documents and how to organize them, how to locate your mineral and royalty interests on a map, perform your own title search, and discover the oil & gas potential of your property.  Plus, I've included a bonus lesson on how to locate missing royalties that might be owed to you or your family.

In this episode we discuss a few "common" scams targeting mineral and royalty owners.  From, exhorbitant finder's fees to help you find and claim missing royalties, the "royalty lease" scam that gets you to sell your future royalties for pennies on the dollar, to fraudlent deeds, we cover what you should know to protect yourself and your family from those seeking to prey on unsuspecting mineral and royalty owners.  As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com. At the end of the day, the best way to protect yourself from these types of issues is to arm yourself with knowledge.  My new online course, Mineral Management Basics, teaches you step-by-step the process of finding out exactly what you own and where it is located. With high-quality videos (that aren’t too long) and examples along the way, you’ll be able to locate your mineral and royalty interests on a map, perform your own title search, and identify nearby oil and gas activity.  Learn more here and signup today!