Senate Bill No. 1319 establishes a new process for homeowners in Oklahoma whose residences have been contaminated by substances under the jurisdiction of the Corporation Commission, such as brine or oil, to apply for remediation assistance. The bill creates a Remediation Assistance Revolving Fund, which will be used to provide financial support for the remediation of environmental emergencies. Homeowners can apply for assistance without needing to file an insurance claim first, although they are required to pursue all available claims in good faith. The Corporation Commission will evaluate applications and determine the necessary amount of assistance, which may cover costs related to stopping the contamination, cleaning up the site, and potentially purchasing the contaminated property at fair market value.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for the Corporation Commission to follow when addressing environmental emergencies, including the possibility of referring cases to the Department of Environmental Quality if the emergency falls outside the Commission's jurisdiction. The Remediation Assistance Revolving Fund will consist of donations, contributions, and legislative appropriations, and will be available for use by both the Corporation Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality. The bill also includes provisions for the city or county to acquire contaminated properties if necessary and mandates that any proceeds from the sale of remediated properties be returned to the fund. An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-180.10
Floor (Senate): 17-180.10