Study Biochar In Plugging Of Oil And Gas Wells

The bill creates the biochar in oil and gas well plugging working advisory group (work group) in the oil and gas conservation commission (commission). The work group's purpose is to make recommendations for the development of a pilot program to study the use of biochar in the plugging of oil and gas wells.No later than September 1, 2023, the work group must submit a draft report to the commission detailing its recommendations for the pilot program. After coordinating with the commission to develop a final report, no later than February 1, 2024, the work group must present the report to the transportation and energy committee of the senate and the energy and environment committee of the house of representatives.The bill also requires Colorado state university (university) to conduct various studies and laboratory work on the use of biochar in the plugging of oil and gas wells and, no later than June 1, 2024, report the results of the studies and laboratory work to the work group. If, based on the report, the work group determines that a pilot program to study the use of biochar in the plugging of oil and gas wells would have a positive impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the state, the work group must direct the university to make recommendations regarding the development of a pilot program. No later than December 1, 2024, the university shall submit a draft report of its recommendations to the work group. No later than December 15, 2024, the university shall create a final report, in consultation with the work group, and submit the final report to the director of the commission.

(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)