§ 30:802 — Regulation of exploration, drilling, production and subsurface disposal

§802. Regulation of exploration, drilling, production and subsurface disposal
A. Full regulatory authority over all geothermal exploration, drilling, development,
and production as well as subsurface disposal of geothermal waters and/or waste is hereby
vested in the Department of Conservation and Energy. The provisions of the Louisiana
Conservation Act, R.S. 30:1 et seq., including particularly, but without limitation, R.S. 30:5
and 9 thereof, are hereby extended to all geothermal operations. The secretary is further
authorized to promulgate such additional rules and regulations relating specifically to
geothermal operations that are deemed by him to be needed in the interest of conservation
if they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter. All geothermal operations
shall be exempt from the provisions of R.S. 38:3091 et seq.
B. Any disposal of any kind or nature made pursuant to this Chapter into any
navigable or nonnavigable streams or waters shall be done under the supervision of the
Stream Control Commission of the state.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 1975, No. 784, §1. Amended by Acts 1976, No. 134, §1; Acts 2025, No. 458, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.