The law pertaining to natural resources and oil and gas in North Carolina is closely tied to real estate, energy law, and property law, but can also pertain to environmental law. Frequently at dispute are mineral rights. Oil, natural gas, coal, precious metals and drinking water are all usually found under the ground. Therefore, legal disputes litigated in natural resources and oil and gas law include who has the rights to such materials, which can involve complicated matters of use and ownership. When choosing a transactional attorney for nature resources (oil and gas) law in or around North Carolina, pay particular attention to the attorneys training and experience in leasing, exchange and development, and right of way acquisitions.