To my friends in New York: With all of the recent discussion about development of the Marcellus Shale gas, and the idea that this will lead to dire environmental consequences in your state, realize the true discussion should be about energy consumption versus production in the Northeast. And the question you should be asking is: where is the origin of the energy you are consuming . . . your state? . . . another state? . . . a foreign country? Where do you want to spend YOUR energy dollars – boosting New York State’s economy or that of Texas?  Read More

Statement for the Record Of National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) Before the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

DO YOU WANT TO PAY MORE TAX?

Here we go again.

The Obama 2011 budget plan calls for; “Repeal percentage depletion for oil and natural gas.”   

NARO must let our elected officials know this is not a tax on big oil but rather a tax on you.  So, call (don’t email or fax) your Congressman and Senators office and let them know of your outrage!  You may also wish to contact your Governor with the same message.  Call more than once; tell your friends and neighbors, the more we get the more effective we will be.

 If you need to know how to contact your elected officials call the NARO office at 1-800-558-0557 and we will let you know. 

Did you know that a portion of your NARO membership dues should be tax deductible?  While your association dues are not a contribution to a charity, they should qualify as a legitimate business/educational expense deduction.  The same is true for any amount you  spend to attend a NARO Convention including travel costs, registration fees, etc.  Of course it depends on how your taxes are prepared and if these are expenses against royalty income, expense of a business nature (if a Trust, LLC or individual business) or classified otherwise.  The main thing is, check with your tax professional and determine what amount of your NARO expenses are deductiable.

The primary purpose of NARO is to educate, serving as a national information clearinghouse for, not only our membership, but also state, local and federal government bodies and the general public.

NARO also serves, not only as a “watchdog” in State Capitols and the U.S, Congress but, when deemed necessary, brings to the spotlight of public scrutiny and debate, critical royalty owner issues and concerns that might, otherwise, be ignored or concealed.

1. Q. Determining Mineral Interests. "Uncle Bill just died. The lawyer said I get all of the mineral rights. I didn't know Uncle Bill owned any mineral rights! I can't find the deeds for the properties. What can I do?"

A. This may require a bunch of work, but it's doable. Don't give up. Your investigatory efforts may become extensive but will pay off with tasty profits. Go to Uncle Bill's lawyer and get all the mineral files/information you can gather. Read More

From The February ROAR 

As expected, here we go again with the proposed repeal of the percentage depletion allowance. In the 2011 budget submitted to Congress, under the Department of Energy’s request, you will find:  Read More...

I am writing this on Presidents’ Day which is pretty fitting, in my opinion. After many months of thought and discussion, I have recently come to some conclusions about our situation in NARO. Like many of you, I have had questions: who we really are; what we need to do; and how to go about doing it. I hope this letter will lay a workable foundation for the year to come.  Read More...

Barnett Shale Expo -- Royalties-Understanding Your Lease

Presented By: Jerry R. Simmons, Executive Director
National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) See PDF File

CLICK HERE TO READ THE NARO BILL OF RIGHTS

The mission of NARO is to encourage and promote exploration and production of minerals in the United States while preserving, protecting, advancing and representing the interests and rights of mineral and royalty owners through education, advocacy and assistance to our members, to NARO chapter organizations, to government bodies and to the public.