### Question
How is the term surface owner defined?


### Answer
The term **surface owner** is defined in *30 U.S.C. § 1304* as the following:

> the natural person or persons (or corporation, the majority stock of which is held by a person or persons who meet the other requirements of this section) who—


(1) hold legal or equitable title to the land surface

#### Citation:
  - *30 U.S.C. § 1304*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 24-GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION > SUBCHAPTER VII-ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS**

