BILL NUMBER: SB 571	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	CHAPTER  597
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  OCTOBER 11, 2009
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  OCTOBER 11, 2009
	PASSED THE SENATE  AUGUST 24, 2009
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  JULY 16, 2009
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JUNE 28, 2009

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Maldonado

                        FEBRUARY 27, 2009

   An act to add Section 3724.32 to the Public Resources Code,
relating to public resources.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 571, Maldonado. 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.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 3724.32 is added to the Public Resources Code,
to read:
   3724.32.  When an operator fails to pay a civil penalty imposed
pursuant to Section 3754.5, comply with an order of the supervisor
issued pursuant to this chapter, or pay a charge assessed under
Section 3724.5, the supervisor may deny approval of the operator's
proposed well operations until the operator pays the civil penalty,
complies with the order of the supervisor, or pays the charge
assessed under Section 3724.5.