A California landowner whose property overlies a known geothermal reservoir wants to drill a well and develop the resource. Which statement best describes what California law requires before drilling begins?
Correct Answer
C) A written notice of intention to drill must be filed with and approved by the California Geologic Energy Management Division
California regulates geothermal development as a subsurface energy resource. Under the Geothermal Resources Act, Public Resources Code 3700 et seq., the owner or operator must file a written notice of intention to drill and obtain the State Oil and Gas Supervisor's approval before drilling starts; that supervisor's division is the California Geologic Energy Management Division, or CalGEM. A geothermal resource beneath privately owned land may be privately developed, because the state's role here is permitting and well safety rather than ownership. Local building and land use approvals may also apply, but they do not substitute for the CalGEM approval.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A nonconforming use is a property use that was legally established before a zoning change but no longer complies with the current zoning ordinance. It is commonly called a "grandfathered" use.
A planned unit development (PUD) is a zoning classification that allows mixed land uses (residential, commercial, recreational) within a single development with flexible zoning standards. Homeowners typically own their lot and share common areas.
Police power is the government's authority to enact laws and regulations to protect the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. It is the broadest power government has over private property.
More Property Ownership Land Use Controls Questions
Which of the following words is NOT associated with the others in the group?
An owner sold a parcel of real estate to a buyer with the stipulation that the buyer was not allowed to sell alcohol from the premises. The buyer sold the property 10 years later to a buyer who converted the building into a convenience store that sold beer. Should the owner or owner’s heirs claim a right of re-entry, what would be the basis for the lawsuit?
Which of these activities can the owner of a life estate NOT do?
The highest form of property ownership in the United States is:
In California, which form of co-ownership is available ONLY to married couples or registered domestic partners?
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