Revises distribution of proceeds in Oil & Gas Tax Trust Fund to allocate proceeds to the Environmental Rapid Response Trust Fund; revises DEP rulemaking authority; provides that certain information considered proprietary business information; requires permits be obtained before performance of any high pressure well stimulation; requires Division of Resource Management to consider certain additional criteria when issuing permits; authorizes DEP to issue permits for performance of high pressure well stimulation; prohibits counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of state from adopting or establishing permitting programs for certain oil & gas activities; requires DEP to conduct study & submit report to Governor & Legislature; requires applicants & operators to provide certain surety; increases the maximum amount for civil penalties; requires DEP to designate national chemical registry as the state’s registry & adopt rules; requires well owners or operators to report certain information to registry.
Effective Date: July 1, 2015

Public Records/High-pressure Well Stimulation Chemical Disclosure Registry 

Provides exemption from public records requirements for trade secrets contained within information relating to high-pressure well stimulations obtained by DEP in connection with DEP’s online high-pressure well stimulation chemical disclosure registry; provides procedures & requirements with respect to granting of confidential and exempt status; provides for disclosure under specified circumstances; provides for future review & repeal of exemption; provides statement of public necessity.
Effective Date: on the same date that HB 1205 or similar legislation takes effect

The Sierra Club is one good source for more information about fracking. Read Michael Brune’s blog here and watch the short video, Fracking 101.

We will be posting more information to you soon, as there are several bills, being considered this legislative session. 

Thanks again,

350 Pensacola Team