Revise lease of state lands for underground gas storage

This bill authorizes Montana state officials to lease state-owned land for underground storage of natural gas, carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases, primarily for public utilities and government agencies. It expands the types of gases that can be stored and allows the state to sell any remaining native gas found in leased areas. The bill gives the state board authority to create rules for leasing and storage, requires lessees to post a bond of up to $20,000 to protect the state from financial loss, and mandates that lessees take precautions to prevent waste of existing oil or gas deposits. Violations of storage conditions could result in lease forfeiture after a hearing.