HB 4109
Removing Cap on Number of Wells Subject to Annual Oversight Fee
HB 4109 removes the 400-well cap and makes the operator responsible on all their wells. Gas and oil drillers are responsible for a $350 fee on their first 400 wells that are not capped.
Sponsors: Evan Hansen
CWV Position: Supports
Position Statement: HB 4109 ensures adequate funding for oversight of oil and gas wells by removing an artificial cap on fees, strengthening environmental monitoring, enforcement, and protection of water and land resources.
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Supports proper oversight and enforcement: Removing the cap ensures that all regulated wells contribute to the cost of inspections, monitoring, and enforcement, helping agencies keep pace with the scale of drilling activity.
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Protects water and land resources: Strong oversight reduces risks of spills, leaks, abandoned wells, and contamination of groundwater and streams.
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Applies the “polluter pays” principle: Companies operating wells should bear the cost of regulating their activities, rather than shifting those costs to taxpayers.
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Improves regulatory capacity: Adequate fee revenue helps fund inspectors, data management, and compliance actions needed to protect public health and the environment.
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Promotes fairness and accountability: Treating all wells consistently avoids preferential treatment and ensures responsible operators are not undercut by poor actors.
Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works.
