Section 45.2-1602 - Construction; purposesThe provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the following purposes:
1. To foster, encourage, and promote the safe and efficient exploration for and development, production, utilization, and conservation of the Commonwealth's gas and oil resources;2. To provide a method of gas and oil conservation for maximizing exploration, development, production, and utilization of gas and oil resources;3. To recognize and protect the rights of any person owning an interest in gas or oil resources contained within a pool;4. To ensure the safe recovery of coal and other minerals;5. To maximize the production and recovery of coal without substantially affecting the right of a gas or oil owner proposing to drill a gas or oil well to explore for and produce gas or oil;6. To protect the citizens and the environment of the Commonwealth from the public safety and environmental risks associated with the development and production of gas or oil; and7. To recognize that the use of the surface for gas or oil development shall be only the use that is reasonably necessary to obtain the gas or oil.1982, c. 347, § 45.1-290; 1990, c. 92, § 45.1-361.3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.