OIL/GAS-TEMP ABANDON STATUS

Amends the Illinois Oil and Gas Act. Defines "temporary abandonment status". Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall have the authority to conduct hearings and to make such reasonable rules as may be necessary from time to time in the proper administration and enforcement of the Act, including the adoption of rules and holding hearings: to create, by administrative rule, the authorization criteria, fees, maintenance requirements, and monitoring rules for an authorization for temporary abandonment status; and to create, by administrative rule, the permit criteria, fees, and maintenance requirements for an oil lease road permit where the road is located on a well lease. Provides that before engaging in the business of removing liquid oil field waste from an on-site collection point, the person shall apply for a permit with a fee of $300 (instead of $100). Provides that each application for a permit to drill, deepen, convert, amend, oil lease road, or an authorization for temporary abandonment status shall be accompanied by a fee not to exceed $1,000 (instead of $300). Provides that a fee not to exceed $500 (instead of $50) per well shall be paid by the new owner for each transfer of well ownership. Provides that the fee for a temporary abandonment status authorization shall be deposited in the Plugging and Restoration Fund. Provides that if the Department finds that a well is in violation of the administrative rules regarding a temporary abandonment status, the Department shall issue an order that the well be properly plugged, replugged, or repaired. Provides that the Department shall assess and collect annual well fees from each permittee in the amount of $100 (instead of $75) per well for the first 100 wells and a $75 fee (instead of $50) for each well in excess of 100 for which a permit is required under the Act.