Section 11 AAC 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.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