Legislation would protect water, landowners facing oil & gas development

In This Issue:

Representative Mark Udall (D-CO) has re-introduced legislation to balance oil and gas development with protections for landowners and western water resources.

HR 1180, the Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act, “aims to make it more likely that the energy resources in our Western states will be developed in ways that are protective of vital water supplies and respectful of the rights and interests of the agricultural community,” states Representative Udall on his web page.

The federal government owns millions of acres of oil and gas in the West, much of which sits under private land. HR 1180 contains provisions to protect water resources and private landowners, and ensure reclamation of all areas disturbed by oil and gas drilling. Specifically, the bill would:

Endorse the Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act

To endorse HR 1180, go to WORC’s website, www.worc.org, or contact Sara Kendall in WORC’s Washington, DC office at 202-547-7040 or dc@worc.org.

Require oil and gas operators to replace water supplies lost or damaged as a result of development.
Require oil and gas lessees to outline steps they will take to protect water resources.
Require oil and gas lessees to negotiate surface use agreements with private landowners whose property sits over federal minerals; in cases where an agreement cannot be reached, the bill requires permits to protect landowners’ interests.
Require that landowners be notified of leasing decisions affecting federal oil and gas under their property.
Require full reclamation of all lands disturbed by oil and gas development, as well as bonds to adequately cover the costs associated with reclaiming all lands in case of forfeiture.
Establish a clean-up program for abandoned oil and gas wells on federal lands and private lands that overlie federal oil and gas.

—Sara Kendall