SB 315 Summary

• Oil and Gas Regulation: Establishes comprehensive regulations for oil and gas well permitting, including pre-drilling water sampling, liability insurance requirements ($5 million for horizontal wells), and detailed disclosure of drilling chemicals and stimulation fluids.

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Expands state energy efficiency requirements for building construction and operation, establishes loan programs for alternative fuel infrastructure, and requires utilities to implement energy savings and peak demand reduction programs.

• Renewable Energy Standards: Maintains 25% renewable energy requirement by 2025 for electric utilities and companies, with at least 12.5% from renewable resources and 0.5% from solar, with compliance payments for shortfalls.

• Pipeline Safety and Regulation: Creates new regulations for gas gathering pipelines and processing plant pipelines associated with horizontal wells, requiring compliance with federal pipeline safety standards and submission of construction and operating information.

• Natural Resources Administration: Centralizes oil and gas regulation under the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management with exclusive statewide authority, establishes injection well fees, and creates mechanisms for brine transportation oversight.