Geothermal resources.

Existing law imposes a civil penalty on an oil or gas well operator when a violation of geothermal regulations has occurred. Existing law requires the State Oil and Gas Supervisor to investigate complaints against a well and, when necessary, to issue an order to the well operator stating the work required to repair the damage complained of. Existing law also requires the supervisor to establish an annual well fee, and penalties for late payment. This bill would authorize the supervisor to deny approval of proposed well operations until the operator pays the civil penalty, complies with the order, or pays the required well fee.