If enacted, this bill would amend Arizona Revised Statutes section 49-250 to exempt helium exploration and production wells that are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to prevent the discharge of contaminants into an aquifer from the existing aquifer protection permit requirements. This addition would be marked as a new provision (28) in the statute. Additionally, the bill would exempt the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) from rulemaking requirements for one year following the bill's effective date, which is a new insertion.

The bill also includes a statement of legislative intent reaffirming the state's public policy regarding the conservation and development of natural resources, including helium. This intent is a new insertion and emphasizes the legislative focus on resource management. Overall, the bill aims to streamline regulations for helium exploration while maintaining environmental protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-250