The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to revise the regulations surrounding the plugging of oil and gas wells, specifically differentiating between "modern wells" and "non-modern wells." It removes the requirement for a four and one-half inch casing for modern wells and eliminates the necessity to remove intermediate or surface casings for non-modern wells. New requirements are established for plugs and casing perforations, along with monitoring and documentation protocols to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. The legislation also introduces exemptions for casing removal under certain defined circumstances, enhancing operational flexibility for well operators.

Furthermore, the bill specifies procedures for plugging wells that intersect workable coal beds, mandating the use of expanding cement instead of regular hydraulic cement. It allows coal operators or seam owners to propose alternative plugging methods, subject to approval by the secretary based on cost considerations. The legislation outlines detailed cleaning and preparation requirements for wells prior to plugging, including maintaining logs and records of the work performed. It also sets forth specific cementing requirements based on well depth and the presence of mineable coal beds, while ensuring that individuals adversely affected by the secretary's decisions have the right to judicial review, thereby promoting accountability in the regulatory process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-6-24
Committee Substitute: 22-6-24
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 22-6-24
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 22-6-24