The proposed bill would update current statutes by removing the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) oversight of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (Commission) and establishing a new Commission Fund, which would consist of legislative appropriations and fees assessed by the Commission. This change would redirect all Commission fees away from the state General Fund, allowing the Commission to utilize these funds for its operations without the risk of lapsing. Additionally, the bill would allow the Commission to accept and spend federal funds and private contributions, set its own fees through a majority vote, and recover civil penalties for violations through its findings.

Furthermore, the bill would exempt certain helium exploration activities from aquifer protection permit requirements and facilitate the transfer of relevant equipment, records, and personnel from ADEQ to the Commission. It would also rename the article heading to "oil and gas conservation commission" and introduce a new section outlining the administration of the Commission Fund. The updates would clarify the Commission's roles and responsibilities, including permitting, fee collection, and regulatory compliance enforcement, ultimately enhancing the regulatory framework for oil and gas extraction in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 27-501, 27-513, 27-514, 27-515, 27-517, 27-523, 27-524, 27-527, 27-528, 27-659, 49-250, 27-516, 27-520, 38-611, 35-146, 35-147, 49-455, 35-190
Senate Engrossed Version: 27-501, 27-513, 27-514, 27-515, 27-517, 27-523, 27-524, 27-527, 27-528, 27-659, 49-250, 27-516, 27-520, 38-611, 35-146, 35-147, 49-455, 35-190