In the state of Texas, how long must a well (oil or gas) be classified as "shut-in" before the land upon which it is located becomes free to lease again ? Thanks for any help.
Mike:
I believe that the lease wording will hold the answer to your question. Check the terms of the lease in regards to "shut in" clauses.
If your lease does not have a term limit for the length of time your well can be shut in, the operator can hold it forever as long as the shut in payments are paid in an acceptable timeframe. There are many leases out there that set the shut in payment as $1 per mineral acre per year.