Section 295.33. Oil and gas exploration and production.

 

(1)  No person may engage in the exploration for oil or gas without a license from the department.

(2)  No person may engage in the production of oil or gas without a license from the department.

(3)  No person may commit waste in the exploration for or in the production of oil or gas.

(4)  No person may conduct drilling operations for the exploration for or production of oil or gas if the drilling extends beneath the beds of the Great Lakes or bays or harbors that are adjacent to the Great Lakes, notwithstanding s. 30.20 (2) (b) .

(5)  No person holding an oil or gas exploration or production license may engage a general contractor or affiliate to operate an oil or gas exploration or production site if the general contractor or affiliate has 2 or more felony convictions for violation of a law for the protection of the natural environment arising out of the operation of an oil or gas exploration or production site in the United States within 10 years before the issuance of the person's license, unless the general contractor or affiliate receives the department's approval of a plan to prevent the occurrence in this state of events similar to the events that directly resulted in the convictions.

1991 a. 262 ; 1995 a. 227 s. 814 ; Stats. 1995 s. 295.33; 2001 a. 16 .