HB 1333 Summary

• Establishes definitions for "abandoned pipeline," "pipeline facility," and "underground gathering pipeline" for oil and gas operations not subject to chapter 49-22.

• Authorizes the Industrial Commission to enter into contracts for plugging wells and reclaiming abandoned oil and gas well sites, pipelines, and associated facilities when operators cannot be located, lack assets, or facilities pose environmental hazards.

• Creates a geographic information system database requiring underground gathering pipeline owners and operators to submit pipeline shape files within 180 days of placing pipelines in service or within 18 months for existing pipelines in service after August 1, 2011.

• Allocates four percent of oil and gas gross production tax revenues (capped at $5 million per fiscal year and $75 million total balance) to the abandoned oil and gas well plugging and site reclamation fund.

• Allows the North Dakota mediation service to mediate disputes related to easements for oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities.