Diversified Energy named temporary unit operator amid notice dispute; board schedules formal hearing in September

Counsel and land representatives for Diversified Energy and several objectors clashed over whether the company’s acquisition of assets required mailed notice to hundreds of previously identified owners before the board could change unit operators for multiple pooled units.

Craig Blackworth, identified as director of land for Diversified Energy, testified that Diversified had filed written approvals and had purchased assets from Summit and asked the board to approve transfers of unit operator status. Opposing counsel and other objectors argued that notice published in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph — without mailed notice to named respondents in the pooling orders — did not satisfy the board’s notice requirements. Objectors cited board regulations and Virginia Code section 45.2‑1618 as the authority that requires mailed notice to affected respondents except in limited exceptions.

What the board debated: Board members and counsel discussed whether the…