AB 2453 Summary

• Requires orders from the State Oil and Gas Supervisor or district deputy to state the factual basis, statutory/regulatory support, and all penalties and requirements imposed on operators.

• Cease and desist orders must specify which operations must cease and provide detailed explanation of steps needed to resume operations.

• Establishes that filing an appeal does not stay orders for remedial work or emergency cease and desist orders; emergency orders receive expedited director hearings within 10-30 days.

• Requires the Division to reimburse operators for remedial work costs if an emergency order is invalidated on appeal, with the operator bearing burden of proof for cost amounts.

• Creates two-tiered appeal process: formal hearings before administrative law judges for major penalties (over $10,000), deserted well findings, and injection project rescissions; informal hearings before the director for other orders, with option to convert to formal hearings under specified circumstances.