For the purpose of more properly conserving the natural resources of any geothermal resources lands, or any part thereof, the holders of leases may unite with each other or with others in collectively adopting and operating under a cooperative or unit plan of development or operation of such geothermal resources lands whenever determined and certified by the commissioner to be necessary or advisable in the public interest. The commissioner may, with the consent of the holders of leases involved, establish, alter, change or revoke any drilling and production requirement of such leases, permit apportionment of production, and may make such regulations with reference to such leases, with like consent on the part of the persons holding the leases, in connection with the institution and operation of any such cooperative or unit plan, as the commissioner deems necessary or proper to secure the proper protection of the interests of the state.
History: 1953 Comp., § 7-15-14, enacted by Laws 1967, ch. 158, § 14.
Cross references. — For cooperative agreements for development or operation of oil and gas pools, see 19-10-45 to 19-10-48 NMSA 1978.