OIL AND GAS-PERMIT PETITIONS

Amends the Illinois Oil and Gas Act. Establishes procedural requirements that the Department of Natural Resources must follow upon receiving certain applications or permits under the Act. Provides that all such applications or petitions for a permit submitted to the Department shall be accepted and filed or not accepted and filed by the Department within 5 business days after the date of receipt by the Department. Further provides that if the application or petition is accepted and filed, a public hearing on the application or petition shall be scheduled not less than 30 days but not more than 60 days after the acceptance and filing by the Department, and if not accepted and filed, requires the Department to provide specific requirements for additional information or documentation. Further provides that the application or petition shall not be accepted and filed if it is determined by the Department that legal or regulatory impediments would prevent such acceptance and filing. Provides that if the Department does not timely respond to any application or petition or the submission of additional information or documentation after initial submission, the application or petition shall be deemed to be sufficient for acceptance and filing and that the Department shall proceed with the scheduling of a public hearing. Provides that, after a public hearing, the Department shall either grant or deny the application or petition within 20 working days after the conclusion of the hearing.