HB 4066 Summary

• Prohibits the department from entering into leases or deeds allowing drilling operations beneath unpatented lands for oil or gas exploration or production.

• Prohibits the department from entering into leases or deeds allowing use of unpatented lands for siting, placement, construction, operation, or maintenance of wind turbines or related equipment and structures, with exception for wind energy development research.

• Prohibits the department from granting permits under Part 325 for siting, placement, construction, operation, or maintenance of wind turbines or related equipment and structures, with exception for wind energy development research.

• Clarifies that the department may issue quitclaim deeds, leases, or agreements covering unpatented lands with terms, conditions, and requirements the department determines to be just and equitable while conforming with public trust.

• Retains the state's mineral rights reservation to coal, oil, gas, sand, gravel, stone, and other materials in unpatented lands, except where lands are occupied or to be occupied for residential purposes at time of conveyance.