ENERGY/CONSERVATION: Establishes public safety and accountability procedures applicable to carbon capture and storage projects (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

HB 568 establishes new safety and accountability procedures for owners and operators of carbon dioxide storage projects (Class VI wells). The bill requires these operators to report equipment malfunctions that could lead to a carbon dioxide release, or any actual release, within 24 hours, detailing the incident's location, risks, and mitigation efforts. These reports must then be disclosed to emergency responders, local officials, and the general public within 48 hours, and published on the department's website. The legislation also increases civil penalties for underground injection control violations and imposes criminal penalties for willful or knowing failures to report or maintain required records.