(A) It is the policy of the state to provide access to and support the exploration for, development of, and production of oil and natural gas resources owned or controlled by the state in an effort to use the state's natural resources responsibly.

(B) There is hereby created the oil and gas leasing commission consisting of the chief of the division of geological survey and the following four members appointed by the governor:

(1) Two members from a list of not less than four persons recommended by a statewide organization representing the oil and gas industry;

(2) One member of the public with expertise in finance or real estate;

(3) One member representing a statewide environmental or conservation organization.

(C) Initial appointments shall be made to the commission not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Of the initial members appointed to the commission, one shall serve a term of two years, one shall serve a term of three years, one shall serve a term of four years, and one shall serve a term of five years. Thereafter, terms of office of members shall be for five years from the date of appointment. Each member appointed by the governor shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. The governor shall fill a vacancy occurring on the commission by appointing a member within sixty days after the vacancy occurs. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(D) Three members constitute a quorum of the commission, and no action of the commission is valid unless it has the concurrence of at least three members. The commission shall keep a record of its proceedings. The chief of the division of geological survey shall serve as the chairperson of the commission.

(E) The governor may remove an appointed member from the commission for inefficiency, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance.

(F) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the course of the performance of their duties as members of the commission.

(G) The department of natural resources shall furnish clerical, technical, legal, and other services required by the commission in the performance of its duties.

Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 49, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2017(Vetoed).

Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.35, HB 133, §1, eff. 9/30/2011.