The bill amends West Virginia Code §20-1-22 to allow the leasing of state-owned pore spaces beneath lands designated as state parks, while maintaining a prohibition against any surface disturbance for drilling or injection activities on state park property. It establishes that proceeds from these leases must be used exclusively for improvements and maintenance in the specific areas where the pore space is located. Additionally, the bill sets a requirement that the center of any well pad for pore space under state parks cannot be located within 200 feet of the state park boundary, although this setback can be waived by the Secretary of the Department of Commerce in consultation with the Director of the Division of Natural Resources, based on considerations of viewshed, noise, and public enjoyment of the park.

The bill also outlines the process for leasing pore spaces, which includes a competitive bidding process, and allows for direct awards of leases in certain economic development scenarios, provided that the lease offers a market value or greater royalty. Overall, the legislation aims to balance the potential economic benefits of leasing pore spaces with the preservation of state park environments and public enjoyment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-1-22
Committee Substitute: 20-1-22
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 20-1-22