Ch. 779

LAWS OF MARYLAND

(H) BEFORE THE GRANTING OF A LEASE UNDER THIS SECTION, AN
APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
CRITICAL AREA COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 8-1814(A) OF THIS
ARTICLE AND ANY REGULATION ADOPTED UNDER THAT SUBSECTION.

6-105.2 6-603.

ANY PERSON WHO DRILLS FOR OIL OR GAS IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY,
ITS TRIBUTARIES, OR OTHER ON THE LANDS OR IN THE WATERS OF THE
STATE IS STRICTLY LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT OCCUR IN
EXPLORATION, DRILLING, OR PRODUCING OPERATIONS OR IN THE PLUGGING
OF THE PERSON'S OIL OR GAS WELLS, INCLUDING LIABILITY TO THE
STATE FOR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, if Chapter
(H.B. 313) of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1988 becomes
law, this Act shall be construed to be consistent with that
enactment and may not be interpreted to permit drilling for oil
or gas in the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if Chapter___
(H.B. 296) of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1988 becomes
law, the requirements of this Act shall be construed to be in
addition to the requirements of Chapter (H.B. 296) and not in

substitution of the provisions of Chapter____(H.B. 296).

SECTION 2. 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1988.

Approved May 27, 1988.

CHAPTER 779

(House Bill 313)

AN ACT concerning

Oil and Gas Drilling in Chesapeake Bay

FOR the purpose of prohibiting a person from drilling for oil or
gas in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries.

BY adding to

Article - Natural Resources

Section 6-104.1

Annotated Code of Maryland

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