The bill amends West Virginia Code 20-1-22 to remove the prohibition against leasing state-owned pore spaces beneath lands designated as state parks. It establishes that any drilling or injection activities must not disturb the surface of state park property. Additionally, the bill mandates that proceeds from leased pore spaces in state forests, parks, and other designated areas be used exclusively for improvements and maintenance in the respective locations.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the center of any well pad for pore space under state parks cannot be located within 200 feet of the state park boundary. However, this setback requirement can be waived by the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Natural Resources, after evaluating the potential impact on the park's viewshed, noise levels, and overall public enjoyment of the property.

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