Introduction
The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission directed staff to seek amendments to Idaho Code § 47-3, Oil and Gas Wells – Geologic Information and Prevention of Waste. The recommended changes include:
- Providing additional guidance to operators, mineral interest owners, and the state.
- Improving and clarifying reporting guidelines for operators.
- Changing the makeup of the commission by removing the Director of the Department of Lands.
- Updating the technical requirements of commissioners to better reflect the needs in Idaho.
- Defining just and reasonable terms for integration.
Purpose
In 2017, the Idaho Legislature modernized Idaho Code § 47-3, Oil and Gas Wells – Geologic Information and Prevention of Waste to provide additional guidance to operators, mineral interest owners, and the state. There were significant changes to statute at that time. After five years of operating under these new guidelines, the OGCC is recommending additional changes to provide clarity to stakeholders.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact from these changes.