(1) The general assembly hereby declares that:
The development of geothermal resources is in the public interest because it enhances local economies and provides an alternative to conventional fuel sources;
The development of geothermal resources should be undertaken in such a manner asto safeguard life, health, property, public welfare, and the environment and to encourage the maximum economic recovery of the resource and prevent its waste;
While the doctrine of prior appropriation is, and always has been, expressly recognized with respect to geothermal resources, such doctrine should be modified to permit the full economic development of the resource.
Source: L. 83: Entire article added, p. 1419, § 1, effective June 10.