(a) Ownership of any geothermal resource is vested in the owner of the surface property overlying the geothermal resource unless severance of the geothermal resource is clear and unambiguous in an instrument conveying or reserving ownership of the geothermal resource.
(b) No mineral or water estate shall be construed to include any geothermal resource unless clearly and unambiguously included in an instrument reserving or conveying the geothermal resource.
(c) Nothing in this article shall divest any person or the state of any right, title, or interest they might have in any geothermal resource.
(d) Nothing in this article may be construed as vesting in the secretary the jurisdiction to adjudicate property rights disputes.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 22. Environmental Resources
Article 33. Geothermal Energy Development
§22-33-2. Legislative Findings; Declaration of Policy
§22-33-3. Applicability; Exceptions
§22-33-4. Ownership of Geothermal Resources
§22-33-6. Geothermal Resources Permit Required
§22-33-7. Jurisdiction of the Secretary; Powers and Duties; Geothermal Resources Regulatory Program
§22-33-9. Administrative Orders; Injunctive Relief