CS/HB 191 - Oil and Gas Regulation Summary

• Preempts oil and gas regulation entirely to the state, voiding all existing local ordinances and regulations except certain zoning requirements that do not impose moratoriums or effectively prohibit operations

• Requires permits for high-pressure well stimulation before performance, with applicants notifying counties and municipalities; prohibits permit approval until department adopts rules based on a required study, with rules subject to legislative ratification

• Mandates Department of Environmental Protection to conduct comprehensive study on high-pressure well stimulation by June 30, 2017, evaluating geological impacts, water contamination risks, seismic activity, economic benefits, and waterless fracking feasibility

• Establishes FracFocus as the state's chemical disclosure registry for wells undergoing high-pressure stimulation, requiring service providers and operators to report chemical ingredients and well data within 60 days of stimulation initiation

• Increases maximum civil penalty for violations from $10,000 to $25,000 per offense and appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2016-2017 to conduct the high-pressure well stimulation study