Sec. 52.031. EXTENSION OF LEASE BY COMMISSIONER. (a) At the expiration of the primary term of a lease made under the provisions of this subchapter, if production of oil or gas has not been obtained on the leased premises but drilling operations are being conducted in good faith and in good and workmanlike manner, the lessee may file in the land office on or before the expiration of the primary term a written application to the commissioner for a 30-day extension of the lease accompanied by $3,000 for 640 acres or less or $6,000 for more than 640 acres.
(b) The commissioner shall extend the lease in writing for a 30-day period from the expiration of the primary term and as long after that time as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities.
(c) As long as drilling operations are being conducted, the lessee may submit an application and payment during any 30-day extended period for an additional extension of 30 days. On receiving the application and payment, the commissioner shall again extend the lease in writing so that it will remain effective for an additional 30-day period and as long after that time as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities.
(d) No lease may be extended under this section for more than 390 days after the expiration of the primary term unless production is obtained in paying quantities.
Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2449, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle D - Disposition of the Public Domain
Subchapter B. Lease of Public School and Gulf Land
Section 52.011. Area Subject to Lease
Section 52.012. Conditions for Lease
Section 52.013. Determination of Lease Price and Delay Rentals
Section 52.014. Date for Lease and Notice
Section 52.017. Keeping and Opening Bids
Section 52.018. Void Application
Section 52.020. Return of Payments on Rejected Applications
Section 52.023. Lease Provisions for Drilling and Reworking
Section 52.024. Lease Provisions for Shut-in Oil or Gas Royalty and Compensatory Royalty
Section 52.026. Lease Transfer
Section 52.027. Lease Relinquishment
Section 52.028. Suspension of Lease Because of Litigation
Section 52.029. Forfeiture of Rights
Section 52.030. Refund of Lease Money in Certain Situations
Section 52.0301. Suspension of Terms of Lease in Certain Situations
Section 52.031. Extension of Lease by Commissioner
Section 52.032. Regulation of Development and Operations