The bill introduced by Senator Landis aims to amend various sections of the Revised Code concerning the regulation of oil and gas wells in Ohio, while also enacting new sections 1509.063 and 1509.075. Key amendments include clarifying definitions related to oil and gas operations, particularly expanding the definition of "owner" to include individuals with drilling rights while excluding those who only lease mineral rights. The bill emphasizes the exclusive authority of the division of oil and gas resources management to oversee all aspects of oil and gas operations, including those extending beyond Ohio's borders. Additionally, it establishes the oil and gas well fund, financed through fees and fines, to support the newly created oil and gas resolution and remediation fund and cover regulatory expenses.

The legislation also modifies the application process for drilling permits, particularly in urbanized areas, requiring detailed information from applicants and mandating pre-drilling water sampling. It introduces a timeline for permit issuance, public notification requirements, and liability insurance mandates for well owners. Furthermore, the bill addresses orphaned wells by establishing a framework for their reporting, inspection, and plugging, while creating a scoring matrix to prioritize these efforts. It also modifies the existing fund structure by renaming the well plugging fund to the "oil and gas resolution and remediation fund" and outlines the process for contractors involved in plugging wells. The bill includes provisions for unit operations of oil and gas pools, registration requirements for well operators, and the establishment of a technical advisory council on oil and gas, while repealing certain existing sections of the Revised Code.

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