Washington § 79.14.020 - Leases authorized — Terms — Duration.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 79.14.020 — Leases authorized — Terms — Duration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 79.14.020. Leases authorized — Terms — Duration.

The department is authorized to lease public lands for the purpose of prospecting for, developing, and producing oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances. Each such lease is to be composed of not more than six hundred forty acres or an entire government surveyed section, except a lease on river bed, lake bed, tide and submerged lands which is to be composed of not more than one thousand nine hundred twenty acres. All leases shall contain such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the rules adopted by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Leases may be for an initial term of from five up to ten years and shall be extended for so long thereafter as lessee shall comply with one of the following conditions: (1) Prosecute development on the leased land with the due diligence of a prudent operator upon encountering oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances; (2) produce any of said substances from the leased lands; (3) engage in drilling, deepening, repairing, or redrilling any well thereon; or (4) participate in a unit plan to which the commissioner has consented under RCW 78.52.450.
[ 2003 c 334 s 472; 1986 c 34 s 1; 1985 c 459 s 2; 1955 c 131 s 2. Prior: 1937 c 161 ss 2, 3; 1927 c 255 ss 175, 176. Formerly RCW 78.28.290.]

Notes

Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.
Severability—1985 c 459: See note following RCW 79.14.510.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 79.14.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 79.14.020 cover?

Section 79.14.020 ("Leases authorized — Terms — Duration.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 79.14.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 79.14.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 79.14.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.