AB-2711 • 2026

Oil and gas: notice of intention.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Ellis
Last action: 2026-04-23
Official status: Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on what happens if a reason for denial is not provided within 30 days or how this change will affect current operations and approvals.

Oil and Gas Drilling Notices

This law changes how oil and gas companies must get approval to start drilling new wells in California by extending the response time from supervisors or district deputies.

What This Bill Does

Changes the time limit for getting a response from 10 working days to 30 working days when an operator files a notice of intention to drill.
Requires the supervisor or district deputy to give a reason if they deny a drilling notice within 30 working days.

Who It Names or Affects

Oil and gas companies planning to drill new wells in California
The State Oil and Gas Supervisor and district deputies

Terms To Know

Geologic Energy Management Division: A part of the Department of Conservation that oversees oil and gas activities.
Notice of Intention: A document an oil or gas company must file before starting to drill a new well.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if the supervisor fails to provide a reason for denial within 30 days.
It is unclear how this change will affect current drilling operations and approvals.

Bill History

2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2026-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 20).
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
2026-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2711, as amended, Ellis.
Oil and gas: notice of intention.
Existing law establishes the Geologic Energy Management Division in the Department of Conservation, under the direction of the State Oil and Gas Supervisor, who is required to supervise the drilling, operation, maintenance, and abandonment of oil and gas wells in the state. Existing law requires the operator of a well to file a written notice of intention to commence drilling with, and prohibits any drilling until approval is given by, the supervisor or district deputy. Under existing law, if the supervisor or district deputy fails to give the operator written response to the notice within 10 working days from the date of receipt, that failure to respond is considered an approval, as specified. Under existing law, if operations have not commenced within 24 months of receipt of the notice by the supervisor or the district deputy, the notice is deemed canceled, as provided.
This bill would
instead
require, if the supervisor or district deputy fails to give the operator an approval or denial of the notice of intent to commence drilling within 30 working days, failure to be considered an approval. The bill would also require, if the notice is denied by the supervisor or district deputy, within 30 working days, the supervisor or the district deputy to include in the denial a
comprehensive reason
rational explanation
for why the notice was denied. The bill would
instead
provide that if operations have not commenced within 24 months of receipt
of approval of the notice by the supervisor or the district deputy, the notice is deemed canceled, as provided.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF