Summary/Abstract
H.B. 327 provides that the possessory right to pore space below surface real property is vested in the surface owners and may be separately conveyed.
Under existing law, the State Oil and Gas Board regulates the underground storage of carbon oxides, including carbon dioxide. This bill would further provide the circumstances under which a proposed carbon dioxide storage facility may receive the board’s approval to operate.
This bill would provide that the board may amalgamate storage rights for a carbon dioxide storage facility under certain circumstances. This bill would create the Underground Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility Administrative Fund to be used
by the board in monitoring and regulating active storage facilities.
This bill would create the Underground Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility Trust Fund to be used by the board in long-term monitoring and management of closed storage facilities.
This bill would provide for the issuance of a certificate of project closure and completion by the board to a carbon dioxide storage facility operator and the certificate’s implications. Also under existing law, the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may lease certain state lands for various oil and gas uses. This bill would authorize the commissioner to lease pore space of certain state lands for underground storage of carbon dioxide.