The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the regulatory framework for oil and gas operations in Ohio. A significant addition is the establishment of the oil and gas well fund, which will serve as a designated source for cash transfers by the controlling board and will be used exclusively for the administration of oil and gas regulations and environmental protection. The bill also modifies the leasing process for oil and gas formations on state-owned land, requiring state agencies to lease in good faith and adhere to industry standards. It introduces confidentiality provisions for submitted information until a bid is selected and prohibits the nomination or leasing of nature preserves for oil and gas exploration. Additionally, the bill clarifies the authority of the division of oil and gas resources management, emphasizing its exclusive jurisdiction over oil and gas wells and the requirement for the chief to adopt rules for safety, water supply protection, and waste disposal. It modifies the permit application process, including a new expedited application requirement with a nonrefundable fee, and increases liability insurance requirements for well owners. The bill also outlines procedures for managing orphaned wells, including prioritization for plugging based on proximity to injection wells, and allows landowners to plug orphaned wells and seek reimbursement. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations while ensuring environmental protections and clarifying the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.28, 1509.31, 1509.38, 2305.041, 5577.02, 5727.02
As Reported By Senate Committee: 155.33, 155.34, 1503.35, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.13, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.23, 1509.28, 1509.31, 1509.36, 2305.041, 5577.02, 5727.02, 343.30, H.B, 131.52
As Passed By Senate: 155.33, 155.34, 1503.35, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.13, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.23, 1509.28, 1509.31, 1509.36, 2305.041, 5577.02, 5727.02, 343.30, H.B, 131.52
As Reported By House Committee: 127.14, 155.33, 155.34, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.13, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.224, 1509.23, 1509.31, 1509.36, 1509.37, 2305.041, 2305.06, 5577.02, 5727.02, 343.30, H.B
As Passed By House: 127.14, 155.33, 155.34, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.13, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.224, 1509.23, 1509.31, 1509.36, 1509.37, 2305.041, 2305.06, 5577.02, 5727.02, 343.30, H.B
As Enrolled: 127.14, 155.33, 155.34, 1509.01, 1509.02, 1509.03, 1509.06, 1509.07, 1509.071, 1509.13, 1509.22, 1509.221, 1509.224, 1509.23, 1509.31, 1509.36, 1509.37, 2305.041, 2305.06, 5577.02, 5727.02, 343.30, H.B