The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the regulatory framework governing oil and gas wells in Ohio. A significant change is the establishment of a new oil and gas well fund, which allows the controlling board to authorize transfers to the general revenue fund or other state funds while maintaining restrictions on certain transfers. The bill also outlines a structured process for state agencies to lease land for oil and gas exploration, including good faith negotiations, a nomination process for interested parties, and specific requirements for lease submissions. Additionally, it introduces a bid process for leasing land, with the oil and gas land management commission evaluating nominations based on economic benefits and environmental impacts. Further amendments focus on the management of orphaned oil and gas wells, requiring funds from bond forfeitures to be allocated for plugging these wells and addressing associated health risks. The bill mandates inspections of reported orphaned wells and allows landowners to plug these wells with reimbursement for reasonable costs. It also establishes a division within the Department of Natural Resources dedicated to oil and gas resources management, which will oversee permitting and regulatory compliance. Other provisions include modifications to the permitting process for drilling and injecting substances, ensuring adherence to environmental standards, and clarifying definitions related to oil and gas operations. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline processes while ensuring environmental protection and effective management of oil and gas resources.

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