7 Bills were introduced this week! Read them here!

February 17, 2011

HB 33(Vitali) This bill would establish a severance tax of 5 percent of the value of each 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas severed, plus 4.6 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. 33% of the revenue generated would go to the general fund. 33.3% would go to local governments. 33.4% would go to environmental distribution. To read the co-sponsorship memo, click here. HB 604 (Hutchinson) provides for the leasing of other state lands for drilling and mineral right development. SB 425(Leach) This bill amends the Oil & Gas Act further providing for well permits & well locations, for protection of groundwater & water supply protection; for hydraulic fracturing chemicals & fluids monitoring; for well plugging & ordinances. SB 426(Leach) This bill establishes a 3 year moratorium in state forests. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall prepare an impact review. SB 445(Yaw) This bill determines when an owner has abandoned their mineral rights. It would deem the mineral rights abandoned after 21 years of nonuse by the surface owner. To read the co-sponsorship memo, click here. SB 452(Erickson) The "Integrated Water Resources Restoration, Protection and Management Act" would expand the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorize the formation of water resources management authorities; provide for the development of integrated water resources management plans; and impose powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities. To read the co-sponsorship memo, click here. SB 447(Yaw) This bill establishes units owned or leased by companies and obtaining approval from the Commonwealth for each unit after all interested and affected parties have had an opportunity for their views to be heard. In addition, before the state approves any pooling unit the applicant will be required to already control a super majority of the gas interests within the proposed unit. To read the co-sponsorship memo, click here. SB 460(Yaw) This bill requires gas companies to list all deductions on royalty check stubs. To read the co-sponsorship memo, click here.