House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends R.S. 30:1104.2(I) to enhance the rights of nonconsenting mineral interest owners within carbon dioxide storage units. The bill stipulates that these owners must be compensated by the unit operator for the value of minerals that they are unable to explore or produce due to the presence of the storage unit. Additionally, if a nonconsenting mineral interest owner is permitted to drill through the unit, they are entitled to reimbursement for any additional material costs incurred while complying with the Department of Conservation and Energy's requirements.

The bill also updates the terminology by replacing "commissioner" with "secretary" in the context of rules governing the protection of the storage unit against pollution and the escape of carbon dioxide. Overall, the proposed law aims to ensure that nonconsenting mineral interest owners are fairly compensated for their interests and any additional costs associated with drilling through carbon dioxide storage units.

Statutes affected:
HB500 Original: 30:2(I)