Tell the Railroad Commission: don't change Rule 37

Under Rule 37, the Texas Railroad Commission allows minerals you own to be taken from you -- even if you do not lease them.

Intended to allow drilling in certain limited cases where the mineral owner can't be found, it's a bad idea as it stands.

The Railroad Commisson wants to make it worse.

It has tentatively approved a change to Rule 37 that would allow a driller to take your minerals, without your consent or payment, so long as they notify you after the fact.

Obviously (to everyone except the Commission) this violates a number of bedrock American principles, like the right of a citizen to be compensated for takings of property.

As a mineral owner, at a minimum you should have the right to:

• Decide when/if you want to lease your minerals
• Decide who to lease your minerals to
• Defend your decisions in court

TAKE ACTION: act by Tuesday, March 22nd
Tell the the Texas Railroad Commission how you feel about Rule 37 and their proposed changes NOW.

Instructions:

1. Enter your zip code below to verify your Texas residency.
2. Read the sample letter that appears and edit it if possible. Customized letters have greater impact.
3. Click "Send My Message" to email your letter to the Texas Railroad Commission.
4. NOTE: only Texans can take action

More information:

• The text of Rule 37.
• The Texas Railroad Commission's 36 page justification of changing Rule 37.
• Star-Telegram story: Texas gas drilling's 'Rule 37' is eminent domain by another name