The bill amends the Oklahoma Brine Development Act and the Oil and Gas Produced Water and Waste Recycling and Reuse Act to improve the management and regulation of brine and associated solution gas. It expands the purpose of the Oklahoma Brine Development Act to include the encouragement of reuse, recycling, and reclaiming of produced water, while also modifying and clarifying definitions related to brine and effluent. The amendments aim to ensure consistency across relevant laws and establish clearer ownership and responsibilities regarding oil and gas produced water and waste, emphasizing the operator's duty to safely dispose of these materials and promote economically viable recycling methods.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that limit liability for individuals processing or transferring oil and gas produced water for recycling, provided they meet specific criteria, such as ensuring the water is suitable for drilling operations and capturing harmful gases. However, this immunity does not cover liability for personal injury, death, or property damage from exposure to these substances. Additionally, it allows individuals acquiring produced water for recycling to dispose of it in their permitted disposal wells without needing a commercial disposal well permit, while still adhering to other permit restrictions. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52-86.7