Section 11.84.815. Criteria.

	(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.  

Authorities

38.05.020;38.05.145;38.05.181;41.06.010;41.06.020;41.06.030

Notes

Reference

11 AAC 84.830
11 AAC 84.840
11 AAC 84.855
11 AAC 84.860
11 AAC 84.865
11 AAC 84.880
11 AAC 84.945

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

History

Eff. 5/8/83, Register 86