The Corporation Commission is hereby authorized to promulgate rules for the plugging of all abandoned oil and gas wells. Abandoned wells shall be plugged under the direction and supervision of Commission employees as may be prescribed by the Commission. Provided, however, the Commission shall not order any oil or gas well to be plugged or closed if the well is located on an otherwise producing oil or gas lease as defined by the Commission, unless such well poses an imminent threat to the public health and safety which shall be determined by the Commission after conducting a public hearing on the matter.
Added by Laws 1917, c. 207, p. 385, § 3. Amended by Laws 1998, c. 340, § 1, emerg. eff. June 3, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 315, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000.