House Resolution No. by Representative Mack urges the Department of Conservation and Energy to review its policies and practices concerning the redaction of proposed well site locations in permit applications. The resolution highlights the importance of public participation in the permitting process, noting that recent trends have seen applicants for Class VI permits requesting confidentiality for their proposed well sites. This practice could hinder public involvement and the effectiveness of required public notice and comment periods, as stakeholders would be unaware of proposed sites.
The resolution calls for a comprehensive review of relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding the confidentiality of well permit information. It mandates that the Department of Conservation and Energy submit a written report of its findings and any legislative recommendations to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment by March 1, 2027. This initiative aims to ensure that the department can fulfill its regulatory responsibilities while allowing the public to engage meaningfully in the permitting process.