HB 4109
Removing cap on numbers of wells operators required to pay annual oversight fee
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill removes a limit on the number of oil and gas wells for which operators must pay an annual oversight fee. Currently, the fee applies to the first 400 wells meeting certain production criteria. This change would expand the number of wells subject to the fee, potentially increasing revenue for the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency. The bill also clarifies the process for collecting these fees and outlines the secretary’s authority to oversee oil and gas operations.
Key provisions
- Removes the cap on the number of wells subject to the annual oversight fee.
- Establishes fee amounts based on well production levels (250,000 cubic feet/day, 60,000 cubic feet/day, and 10,000 cubic feet/day).
- Specifies that the fee applies to wells that have not been plugged.
- Clarifies the secretary’s authority to supervise oil and gas operations and conduct inspections.
- Outlines the secretary’s responsibilities for collecting fees and maintaining records.
- Defines the scope of the secretary’s authority regarding permitting and regulation.
- Addresses stormwater permit fees related to oil and gas operations.
Who is affected
- Oil and gas operators
- The West Virginia Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency
- Property owners with oil and gas wells
Notable changes
- Expands the number of wells subject to the annual oversight fee.
- Adjusts fee amounts based on well production levels, potentially increasing revenue for the state.
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