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revise certain provisions relating to use of security for cleanup and remediation of environmental problems.

This bill clarifies the state's authority to use security deposits (money held to guarantee compliance) for cleaning up and fixing environmental damage caused by oil and gas operations, and allows the state to collect its cleanup costs and penalties from remaining security funds after remediation is complete. The changes streamline the language around when board approval is needed and confirm that security cannot be handed over to creditors until environmental cleanup is fully finished and the state's costs are paid.

make an appropriation for the plugging and surface reclamation of natural gas wells and to declare an emergency.

This bill provides $727,700 from the state general fund to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to plug abandoned natural gas wells and restore the land where they're located. The department secretary must approve all work before it begins, and any money not spent will be returned to the general fund. The bill declares an emergency so the funding takes effect immediately.