What will this rulemaking do?
The purpose of the proposed rules is to control possible adverse environmental effects of gas resource development, to preserve natural resources, and to encourage the planning of future land utilization, while at the same time promoting the orderly development of gas resources, encouraging of good gas resource development practices, preventing waste, avoiding the drilling of unnecessary wells, protecting the correlative rights of landowners, and recognizing the beneficial aspects of gas resource development. Additionally, pooling and spacing regulations are needed to prevent waste and protect the correlative interests of landowners in a common pool or supply source of gas resources. Under Minnesota Statutes 93.513, an operator must control 100 percent of the extraction area before a permit is issued. Rules are needed that provide the DNR with information necessary to determine a proposed project’s extraction area and confirm that the permit applicant controls 100 percent of the mineral interests within the spacing unit that defines the extraction area.
Who might be affected by these rule changes?
Individuals interested in or affected by these rules.
Gas production industries.
Statewide counties and local governments.
Where do I send my comments?
You have until 4:30 p.m. on July 2, 2026, to submit written comment(s) in support of or in opposition to the proposed expedited rules and any part or subpart of the rules.
Your comment must be in writing and received by the agency contact person by the due date. Your comment should identify the portion of the proposed expedited rules addressed and the reason for the comment. In addition, you are encouraged to propose any change desired. You must also make any comments that you have on the legality of the proposed rules during this comment period. If the proposed expedited rules affect you in any way, the agency encourages you to participate in the rulemaking process.
All public comments received by the DNR and all information within the comments are public data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.03, subdivision 1. Public comments, including names and addresses, become part of the public record upon receipt by the DNR.
Where can I get more information?
DNR contact person
Michael Liljegren
Assistant Director – Lands and Minerals Division
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd Box 45
St. Paul MN 55155
[email protected]