The Minot Daily News recently published a letter to the editor from Northwest Landowners Association chairman Troy Coons. This letter serves to inform mineral owners about House Bill 1459 and how it could affect their rights. This bill aims to set rules for mining important minerals found near coal. However, it also tries to change private coal lease agreements, giving coal companies control over these valuable minerals without the owners’ permission. The bill suggests a low payment rate of 2.5% of net income from processing these minerals, which is less than typical rates in other states.
NWLA believes this goes against both North Dakota and U.S. laws that protect property rights, and encourages mineral owners to learn more about HB 1459 and its possible impact on their rights.
Read the LTE here, and learn more about HB1459 here.