Loading chat...

IA HF2702

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Natural Resources

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

91st General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes the "Iowa Surface Owners Protection Act" (Chapter 557D) to regulate oil and gas operations, including geologic hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and other mineral extraction activities.

  • Requires operators to compensate surface owners for damages to crops, soils, water, groundwater, tile drainage systems, land improvements, loss of agricultural production and income, reduction in land value, and loss of access.

  • Mandates operators provide written notice to surface owners before initial entry and offer a proposed surface use and compensation agreement prior to any surface-disturbing activities.

  • Requires operators to reclaim all surface areas affected by oil and gas operations once activities are completed or wells are plugged or closed.

  • Applies to operations commencing on or after July 1, 2026, with exemptions for existing permitted wells and prior agreements between surface owners and operators.

Legislative Description

A bill for an act relating to the production of oil and gas, geologic hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or other minerals, including establishing certain duties required of oil and gas operators, requiring notice and surface use agreement offers, and providing for remedies.(Formerly HSB 740.)

Last Action

Amendment H-8164 filed. H.J. 602.

3/5/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available