HB 537 Summary

• Removes "sole and exclusive" language from the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management's authority, allowing political subdivisions to enact health and safety standards that are not less restrictive than state standards.

• Increases setback distances for oil and gas wells and tank batteries in urbanized areas from 150 feet to 1,000 feet from occupied dwellings and property lines, with exceptions requiring written owner consent.

• Increases setback distances from other wells, water bodies, railroad tracks, and public roads from 50-200 feet to 1,000 feet, with limited exceptions for reducing impacts to landowners or protecting public safety.

• Prohibits counties and townships from adopting ordinances regarding minimum drilling unit acreage, well spacing distances, or well restoration requirements that differ from state standards.

• Creates new Section 1509.39 specifying that counties and townships cannot require permits, licenses, or fees for oil and gas drilling operations except for road use permits under existing law.