CO SB185

Requires oil and gas operators applying for statutory pooling orders to submit an affidavit declaring ownership or consent of more than 45% of mineral interests, with specific identification of recorded leases or API well numbers supporting the claim.

Allows unleased mineral interest owners to file a bona fide protest at least 60 days before the first hearing, requiring the commission to resolve disputes about the applicant's affidavit before entering a pooling order.

Prohibits the commission from entering a pooling order for local government mineral interests within the local government's geographic boundaries if the local government rejected a lease offer on or after January 1, 2025.

Requires applicants to disclose reliance on unrecorded oil and gas leases and permits protesting mineral owners to review unrecorded agreements in a confidential manner to verify claims.

Appropriates $20,483 each to the department of natural resources and department of law for fiscal year 2024-25 to implement and provide legal services related to the new pooling requirements.