Notice for DNR carbon storage reg revisions

Kay Cashman

Petroleum News

On June 21, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources issued a public notice of scoping for possible DNR regulation revisions in carbon storage licensing and leasing regulations for the Division of Oil and Gas.

House Bill 50 will authorize the division to issue exploration licenses and leases on state lands for the geological storage of carbon dioxide, issue right-of-way leases for carbon dioxide transportation pipelines on state lands and provide for long term monitoring and maintenance of carbon storage facilities.

DNR is also considering revising its regulations on pipeline right-of-way leasing, mineral leasing procedures and general oil and gas lease provisions.

The purpose of this notice is to ask the public for their ideas and suggestions before DNR undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review. The department is interested in ideas that will provide an efficient, consistent, cost-effective, and reasonable licensing and leasing process to encourage the development of state land.

DNR is not currently proposing any specific regulations, and there are no draft regulations to review at this time. The department is soliciting feedback and comments from the public on how the DNR should implement new authorizations before the formal process of drafting proposed regulations begins.

Written comments received by DNR via email or by mail must be received no later than 5 p.m. on July 22, 2024. Submit all comments to either [email protected] or by mail to Sean Clifton, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501.

--KAY CASHMAN