ND HB1440

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 38-08-04 subdivision l regarding abandoned wells that have not produced oil or natural gas in paying quantities for one year.

Requires commission approval to be obtained biannually from the surface owner for temporarily abandoned status lasting longer than seven years.

Mandates wells must either return to production, receive temporary abandonment approval, or be plugged and reclaimed within six months, or face immediate single-well bonding requirements.

Allows the industrial commission to forfeit well equipment, well-related equipment, and salable oil at the well site after one year in abandoned-well status.

Subjects single-well bonds or alternative bonds covering the well to forfeiture by the commission after one year of abandoned-well status if required conditions are not met.