Whenever costs of plugging a coalbed methane gas well shall have been incurred by the board pursuant to this article and the board shall have authorized the expenditure of moneys from the fund pursuant to Section 9-17-135 for the purpose of plugging a coalbed methane gas well, the operator thereof and each and every owner of a working interest in the well bore of such well shall be jointly and severally liable to the state for repayment of the amount of such moneys, and the board is authorized to institute appropriate civil actions in the courts in the name of the state to recover such amounts. Any amounts so recovered shall be paid into the fund. Further, nothing in this article shall be construed to relieve any operator or owner of a working interest in the well bore of any coalbed methane gas well of any liability to any third party for damages incurred because of failure to plug any coalbed methane gas well.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 9 - Conservation and Natural Resources.
Article 5 - Coalbed Methane Gas Well Plugging Fund.
Section 9-17-130 - Legislative Findings and Declaration.
Section 9-17-131 - Short Title.
Section 9-17-132 - Definitions.
Section 9-17-133 - Alabama Coalbed Methane Gas Well Plugging Fund.
Section 9-17-134 - Determination by Board of Coalbed Methane Gas Wells Requiring Plugging.
Section 9-17-135 - Action Authorized to Be Taken by Board.
Section 9-17-136 - Liability of Owners and Operators.
Section 9-17-137 - Plugging Fees Payable Into Fund; Investment and Use of Fund.
Section 9-17-138 - Termination of Fund.
Section 9-17-139 - No Liability of State, Board or Supervisor to Third Parties.