Current through August 30, 2024
(a) The commissioner will approve a proposed
unit agreement for geothermal leases if he makes a written finding that the
agreement is necessary or advisable to protect the public interest. The
commissioner will approve a proposed unit agreement upon a written finding that
it will
(1) promote the conservation of all
natural resources, including those of all or part of a geothermal
system;
(2) promote the prevention
of economic and physical waste; and
(3) provide for the protection of all parties
of interest, including the state.
(b) In evaluating the above criteria, the
commissioner will consider
(1) the
environmental costs and benefits of unitized exploration or
development;
(2) the geological and
engineering characteristics of the potential geothermal system proposed for
unitization;
(3) prior exploration
activities in the proposed unit area;
(4) the applicant's plans for exploration or
development of the unit area;
(5)
the economic costs and benefits to the state and affected parties;
and
(6) any other relevant factors,
including measures to mitigate impacts identified above, the commissioner
determines necessary or advisable to protect the public interest.
(c) The commissioner will consider
the criteria in (a) and (b) of this section when evaluating each requested
authorization or approval under
11 AAC 84.810 -
11 AAC 84.950, including
(1) an approval of a unit
agreement;
(2) an extension or
amendment of a unit agreement;
(3)
a plan or amendment of a plan of exploration, development, or
operations;
(4) a participating
area; or
(5) a proposed or revised
production or cost allocation formula.
Authority:AS
38.05.020
AS 38.05.145
AS 38.05.181
AS 41.06.010
AS 41.06.020
AS
41.06.030
