CA AB1866

Increases annual fees for idle oil and gas wells, with new fees starting at $1,000 for wells idle less than 3 years, scaling up to $60,000 for wells idle 25+ years (effective January 1, 2029).

Requires operators to either pay annual idle well fees or file a management plan requiring elimination of idle wells at increasing rates (5-15% annually for 2025-2027, rising to 8-20% annually by 2030 depending on operator size).

Expands idle well management plan requirements to include all idle wells (not just long-term), require operators to consider well age and proximity to sensitive receptors when prioritizing plugging, and allow supervisor review and amendment of plans.

Creates exemptions for wells where operators demonstrate infeasibility to locate or access, and for wells subject to more stringent court-approved local settlement agreements entered before December 31, 2024.

Requires annual legislative reports to include a list of wells approved by the division as inaccessible, and deposits all collected fees into the continuously appropriated Hazardous and Idle-Deserted Well Abatement Fund.