45.1-361.3 - Construction. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-361.3. Construction.

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed so as toeffectuate the following purposes:

1. To foster, encourage and promote the safe and efficient exploration forand development, production, utilization and conservation of theCommonwealth's gas and oil resources;

2. To provide a method of gas and oil conservation for maximizingexploration, development, production and utilization of gas and oil resources;

3. To recognize and protect the rights of persons owning interests in gas oroil resources contained within a pool;

4. To ensure the safe recovery of coal and other minerals;

5. To maximize the production and recovery of coal without substantiallyaffecting the right of a gas or oil owner proposing to drill a gas or oilwell to explore for and produce gas or oil;

6. To protect the citizens and the environment of the Commonwealth from thepublic safety and environmental risks associated with the development andproduction of gas or oil; and

7. To recognize that use of the surface for gas or oil development shall beonly that which is reasonably necessary to obtain the gas or oil.

(1982, c. 347, § 45.1-290; 1990, c. 92.)