Notice of Public Scoping under Administrative Order 266 for Possible DNR Regulation Revisions
Carbon Storage Licensing and Leasing Regulations for the Division of Oil and Gas
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (the Department) is considering revising its regulations as a result of House Bill 50 (SCS CSHB 50(FIN) am S, awaiting transmittal to the Governor as of June 21, 2024). This legislation, if enacted, would authorize the Department 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. Copies of House Bill 50 and related legislative materials are available for review on the Alaska State Legislature’s website: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/33?Root=HB%20%2050
House Bill 50 also would authorize the Department to amend existing regulations regarding geothermal projects on state lands. The Department is not requesting scoping comments on geothermal regulations in this notice. The Department may solicit scoping comments for geothermal in a future notice.
In addition to new regulations to implement the legislation regarding the licensing of state land for carbon storage exploration and leasing of state lands for carbon storage, the Department is also considering revising its regulations outlined in:
- 11 AAC 80 (pipeline right-of-way leasing)
- 11 AAC 82 (mineral leasing procedures)
- 11 AAC 83 (general oil and gas lease provisions)
The purpose of this notice is to ask the public for their ideas and suggestions before the Department undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review. Specifically, 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 for its highest and best use consistent with the public interest.
The Department 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 Department should implement new authorizations under HB 50 before the formal process of drafting proposed regulations begins. Any future proposed regulation changes will be released for public review and comment in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act in Alaska Statutes 44.62. Please do not include any confidential information in the comments.
Written comments received by the Department submitted through email or by mail must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 22, 2024. Please submit all submissions to either CCUS.DOG@alaska.gov or by mail to:
Sean Clifton
Department of Natural Resources
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100
Anchorage, AK 99501
The Department complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aides, services, or special modifications to participate in this scoping request may contact the above address or email; or dial TTY number 711 or 800-770-8973 and provide the operator with 907-269-8800.
The Department reserves the right to waive technical defects in this publication.
Publish date: June 21, 2024