OK SB1418

Successors who acquire oil and gas wells become jointly and severally liable with the transferring operator for all plugging and site-restoration obligations unless the Corporation Commission pre-approves the transfer with sufficient financial assurance

Joint liability is triggered when the successor is undercapitalized, the transfer involves related entities, the transferring operator is insolvent or has unpaid penalties, the transaction avoids plugging obligations, or there are material misrepresentations to the Commission

Transferring operators must provide written notice to all affected surface rights owners at least 30 days before Commission consideration, and no transfer is effective without Commission approval

Surface rights owners may request due diligence documentation from operators, file petitions challenging inadequate financial assurance, and bring civil actions for damages including contamination and restoration costs plus attorney fees

Effective date: November 1, 2026