Bill No. 269 amends Oklahoma law to clarify the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the Corporation Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding carbon sequestration and related activities. The bill grants the Corporation Commission exclusive jurisdiction over oil and gas operations, including the exploration and operation of CO2 sequestration facilities and Class VI CO2 injection wells. It emphasizes the need for compliance with Oklahoma Water Quality Standards and allows for immediate emergency responses without prior notice. The DEQ retains jurisdiction over certain environmental aspects, such as air quality and stormwater discharges, while the Corporation Commission oversees permit fees for oil and gas well operations.
Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, specifying that CO2 injected into storage facilities remains the personal property of the facility owner unless abandoned. It outlines the process for creating and operating CO2 storage units, ensuring that stakeholders, including surface and mineral owners, are notified of applications related to these units. The bill also establishes a framework for the issuance of certificates of completion for injection operations, transferring ownership of stored CO2 to the state and releasing operators from future liabilities, except in cases of noncompliance. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline regulatory processes and enhance the management of carbon sequestration efforts in Oklahoma, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.