Bill > HB1411

This bill clarifies the regulation of carbon capture and sequestration by expanding the Oil and Gas Commission's powers and establishing a Carbon Dioxide Storage Fund. The bill grants the Commission new responsibilities for overseeing underground carbon dioxide storage, including adopting rules for Class VI wells (specialized injection wells) in line with the Safe Drinking Water Act, requiring financial assurance from operators, and collecting various fees. These fees include a $50,000 permit application fee, a $1,000 annual fee per injection well, and a $0.10 per ton fee on stored carbon dioxide, with portions of these fees going to the Oil and Gas Commission Fund and the new Carbon Dioxide Storage Fund. The Carbon Dioxide Storage Fund will be used for critical activities such as testing, monitoring, and long-term inspection of underground carbon dioxide storage wells, emergency repairs, plugging leaking wells, and addressing potential post-closure environmental and safety issues. The fund can be financed through operator fees, gifts, grants, and other authorized revenues, and will be managed by the Commission to protect underground drinking water sources and public health. The bill aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for carbon dioxide sequestration in Arkansas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1411&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R