SB2317 Summary

• Amends permit requirements for underground oil and gas storage in oil and gas reservoirs, saline reservoirs or aquifers, and salt caverns by raising the required consent threshold from 55% to 85% of pore space owners, with an option for counties to require higher percentages.

• Allows counties to elect to require written consent from more than 85% of pore space owners, with the storage operator required to obtain consent from the percentage specified by the county.

• Changes compensation language for nonconsenting owners from "equitably compensated" to requiring "just compensation under chapter 32-15 and section 16 of article I of the Constitution of North Dakota" or court authorization to take possession.

• Repeals section 38-25-08 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to amalgamating property interests.

• Declares the Act to be an emergency measure.