A bill for an act relating to the production of oil and gas, geologic hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or other minerals, including establishing certain duties required of oil and gas operators, requiring notice and surface use agreement offers, and providing for remedies.

HF 2702, the "Iowa Surface Owners Protection Act," requires oil and gas operators to notify landowners (surface owners) at least 90 days before starting new operations on their property, providing detailed plans and a proposed compensation agreement. Operators must compensate landowners for specific damages including crop loss, soil degradation, reduced land value, and lost access, and they must restore the land to its pre-operation condition after activities end. The bill mandates written surface use agreements covering aspects like well pad placement, water management, erosion control, and noise, with negotiations required before operators can proceed without an agreement. It applies to new operations starting July 1, 2026, directly affecting landowners and oil/gas operators conducting activities on agricultural or mineral-rich land.