Forced pooing proposed in West Virginia

Tea Party Republicans purport to be champions of property rights, but even that claim is falling to rack and ruin.

The Republican-dominated West Virginia legislature is proposing a bill that would require homeowners and farmers to allow natural gas companies to drill on their land without having to get permission first. The policy is often called forced pooling - but I call it forced pooing. Just because.

The plan is being pushed by Chamber of Commerce officials and right-wing politicians. Landowners would be required to cede access to their property for drilling if 80% of surrounding landowners agree.

West Virginia Republicans have become among the most ideologically driven of late, even praising the suitably named Arthur Laffer's discredited recommendation of abolishing progressive taxation.

What was the point in West Virginia seceding from Virginia if they're just going to do this?

(Source: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20150904/GZ01/150909741/1419)