Pore space bill advancing in legislature, landowners remain concerned

The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee endorsed Senate Bill 2065, which gives state regulators the authority to permit underground areas for natural gas, natural gas liquids or oil. Despite many meetings between its leaders, the oil and gas industry, state officials, lawmakers, and the Northwest Landowners Association, the version the committee endorsed did not have “an escape valve” for landowners to go to court if they aren’t satisfied with a compensation decision, said Derrick Braaten. Additionally, Braaten believes landowners would be limited in the type of appeal they could make in court, and it’s unlikely they would be successful in getting a compensation decision overturned.

Read more about the controversial bill here.