(1) When two (2) or more separately owned tracts, or portions thereof, are embraced within a drilling unit, or when there are separately owned interests in all or part of any such drilling unit, the operators or owners of coalbed methane owning the interests may pool their interests for the development and operation of the drilling unit by voluntary agreement. These agreements may be based on the exercise of pooling rights or rights to establish units which are granted in any gas or oil lease, coal lease, coalbed methane lease, or similar instrument.
(2) No voluntary pooling agreement between or among coalbed methane operators or owners shall be held to violate the statutory or common law of the Commonwealth which prohibits monopolies or acts, arrangements, contracts, combinations, or conspiracies in restraint of trade or commerce.