reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-15-109. Reimbursement of costs.

A. The Department of Environmental Quality may require the participant to reimburse the Department for reasonable costs for the review and oversight of any remediation, reports, field activities or other services or duties of the Department pursuant to the Oklahoma Brownfields Voluntary Redevelopment Act which are performed by the Department prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate of No Action Necessary.
B. The Department may require the participant to reimburse the Department for reasonable costs for expenses incurred in auditing completed projects to ensure compliance with use restrictions in the Certificate.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 356, § 9, emerg. eff. June 14, 1996. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 48, § 9, eff. July 1, 2009.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-15-110. Prior applications and consent orders ratified - Continued reliance - Benefits and releases of liability to be part of consent order - Applicability of section.

A. Except as otherwise specified by this section, any consent order issued by the Department of Environmental Quality prior to the effective date of this act meeting the conditions and requirements established by the Department or as otherwise determined by the Department to be in compliance for such site is hereby ratified.
B. Any person who has entered into a consent order with the Department pursuant to this section may continue to rely upon the consent order if the person has accepted the conditions of and in other respects complies with the requirements so established and with the provisions of the consent order as determined by the Department.
C. Any benefits and releases of liability from administrative penalties and from civil action as provided by the Oklahoma Brownfields Voluntary Redevelopment Act shall apply and be made part of the Certificate of Completion or Certificate of No Action Necessary.
D. The provisions of this section shall apply only to consent orders issued after January 1, 1988.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 356, § 10, emerg. eff. June 14, 1996. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 48, § 10, eff. July 1, 2009.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-16-102. Purpose.

The purpose of the Oklahoma Refinery Revitalization Act is to encourage the expansion of refining capacity within the State of Oklahoma by providing incentives for growth and by detailing an accelerated review and approval process of all regulatory approvals for certain refinery facilities. Additionally, the act seeks to provide legal and technical assistance to state agencies, which may have resources that are inadequate to meet refinery facility permit review demands.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 261, § 2, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-16-103. Definitions.

As used in the Oklahoma Refinery Revitalization Act:
1. “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality;
2. “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
3. “RPCA” means the Refinery Permitting Cooperative Agreement;
4. “Federal authorization” means any authorization required under federal law, including but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the Endangered Species Act, in order to site, construct, upgrade, or operate a refinery facility, including such permits, special use authorizations, certifications, opinions, or other approvals as may be required, whether issued by a federal, state, or local agency;
5. “Commission” means the Oklahoma Corporation Commission;
6. “Tax Commission” means the Oklahoma Tax Commission; and
7. “Refinery facility” means any facility designed and operated to receive, unload, store, process and refine raw crude oil by any chemical or physical process, including distillation, fluid catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, coking, alkylation, etherification, polymerization, catalytic reforming, isomerization, hydrotreating, blending, and any combination thereof.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 261, § 3, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-16-104. Refinery Permitting Cooperative Agreement – Negotiations.

A. Not more than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the Oklahoma Refinery Revitalization Act, the Governor shall request the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to enter into negotiations with the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality for a Refinery Permitting Cooperative Agreement (RPCA) for the purposes set forth in this act. The RPCA shall be a memorandum of understanding as provided for in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The Executive Director shall designate a senior official responsible for negotiations, and dedicate sufficient other staff and resources to ensure, full implementation of the purposes of this act and any rules promulgated pursuant to this act as allowed by state and federal legislation.
B. The Executive Director and the appropriate representative of any Indian tribe with jurisdiction over a potential refinery site, may be signatories to the RPCA negotiated pursuant to this section.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 261, § 4, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-2-16-105. Executive Director and staff – Enumerated duties and activities – Director authority.

A. Not more than thirty (30) days after the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency become signatories to the Refinery Permitting Cooperative Agreement (RPCA) as provided for in Section 4 of this act, the following shall occur:
1. The Executive Director shall designate one or more employees of the Department of Environmental Quality with expertise relating to the siting and operation of refineries to provide legal and technical assistance to any permit applicants in accordance with the designations made in subsection E of this section; and
2. The Executive Director and the Administrator shall identify steps, including timelines, that each shall take to streamline the consideration of state and federal environmental permits for a new refinery facility.
B. Pursuant to the provisions of the RPCA, the Executive Director shall be authorized to:
1. Accept from a refiner a consolidated application for all permits required from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the RPCA;
2. Enter into memoranda of agreement with other state and federal agencies to coordinate consideration of refinery facility applications and permits; and
3. Enter into memoranda of agreement with state and federal agencies, under which state and federal review of refinery facility permit applications will be coordinated and concurrently considered, to the extent practicable.
C. The Executive Director is authorized to request financial assistance from the federal government to facilitate the hiring of additional personnel with expertise in fields relevant to consideration of refinery permits.
D. The Executive Director is authorized to request technical, legal, or other assistance from the federal government to facilitate the state level review of applications for the construction of new refinery facilities.
E. The RPCA shall designate each state and federal agency that will provide technical and legal assistance relating to the siting and operation of refinery facilities, with respect to each of the following, if applicable:
1. The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
2. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
3. The Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.);
4. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.);
5. The Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.);
6. The Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.);
7. The National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.);
8. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
9. The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Added by Laws 2006, c. 261, § 5, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-1-101. Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Conservation District Act".
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-101, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 204, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-101 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-1-102. Legislative determination - Declaration of policy.

In recognition of the ever-increasing demands on the renewable natural resources of the state and of the need to preserve, protect and develop such resources at such a rate and at such levels of quality as will meet the needs of the people of the state, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of Oklahoma to provide for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, and for the control and prevention of soil erosion, and for the prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and for furthering the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water, and thereby to preserve and develop natural resources, control floods, conserve and develop water resources and water quality, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, preserve natural beauty, promote recreational development, protect the tax base, protect public lands and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state. It is further the policy of the Legislature to authorize conservation districts established under the Conservation District Act to serve as the primary local unit of government responsible for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, and competent to administer, in close cooperation with landowners and occupiers, with local governmental units, and with agencies of the government of this state and of the United States, projects, programs and activities suitable for effectuating the policy of the Conservation District Act. Provided, however, in those areas included within the existing jurisdiction of planning commissions created pursuant to the provisions of Titles 11 and/or 19, of the Oklahoma Statutes or their successors, such districts shall serve as the collateral units of government so responsible.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-102, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 205, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-102 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-102. Perpetuation of soil and water conservation districts.

All soil and water conservation districts organized on the date of the adoption of the Conservation District Act are perpetuated and shall continue to exist as conservation districts under the Conservation District Act.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-301, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 208, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-301 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-103. Executive Director, technical experts and employees - Office space.

A. The Commission:
1. May employ an Executive Director and any technical experts and other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as may be required, and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation;
2. May call upon the Attorney General of the state for any legal services as may be required. In addition, the Commission, if it determines that it is needed, may employ or appoint attorneys or in-house counsel to advise or represent the Commission; and
3. Shall have authority to delegate to its chairman, to one or more of its members, or to one or more agents or employees, any powers and duties as it may deem proper.
B. Offices shall be provided by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services in Oklahoma City. Upon request of the Commission for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions, the supervising officer of any state agency, or of any state institution of learning, shall, insofar as may be possible under available appropriations and having due regard to the needs of the agency to which the request is directed, assign or detail to the Commission members of the staff or personnel of the agency or institution of learning, and make any special reports, surveys, or studies as the Commission may request.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-202, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 166, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 1993, c. 145, § 209, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from § 1501-202 of Title 82 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 2011, c. 264, § 8; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 107.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-103a. Temporary employees.

A. For the purposes of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, seasonal employees employed by the Commission who work less than nine hundred ninety-nine (999) hours in a twelve-month period shall be considered temporary employees and shall be unclassified. The Commission may employ seasonal employees throughout the calendar year.
B. The Commission, in its annual budget request, shall include a summary of the use of project labor, which shall include the number of workers employed under the provisions of this section and the total wages paid to these employees.
Added by Laws 2015, c. 391, § 2, emerg. eff. June 4, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-104. Chairman, quorum and expenses.

The Commission shall reorganize annually and select a chairman from among its members who shall serve for one (1) year from the date of selection. A member of the Commission shall hold office so long as such member retains the office by virtue of which he shall be serving on the Commission. A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of a majority in any matter within their duties shall be required for its determination. The chairman and members of the Commission shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for traveling expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-203, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1985, c. 178, § 79, operative July 1, 1985; Laws 1993, c. 145, § 210, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-203 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-105. Bonds of employees and officers - Records - Annual audit.

The Commission shall:
1. Provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who shall be entrusted with funds or property;
2. Provide for the keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations and orders issued or adopted; and
3. Provide for and submit to an annual audit of its records and accounts of receipts and disbursements.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-204, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 211, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-204 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-106a. Conservation Commission Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to be designated the "Conservation Commission Revolving Fund (#405)". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Conservation Commission from appropriations, fees, charges, penalties, and any other sources that are not designated for deposit to any other fund as authorized by law. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Conservation Commission to perform the duties imposed by the Commission by law. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 441, § 1. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 108.
NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 2-106a of Title 27A to provide consistency in numbering.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-106b. Conservation Commission Tar Creek Mine Reclamation Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to be designated the "Conservation Commission Tar Creek Mine Reclamation Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Conservation Commission from appropriations, fees, charges, penalties, federal grants and any other sources including interest earned from the income in the fund that are designated for deposit to such fund or designated for duties associated with the Tar Creek superfund project. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Conservation Commission to perform the duties imposed on the Commission by law. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 441, § 2. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 109.
NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 2-106b of Title 27A to provide consistency in numbering.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-107. Establishment and maintenance - Reports - List of permit approvals.

A. The Conservation Commission may establish and maintain an environmental and natural resources geographic data base system. Such system shall include but not be limited to pollution complaints filed with the state environmental agencies and state agencies with limited environmental responsibilities, resolutions of complaints and such other data as funds become available and as may be desirable and necessary to provide public access to specific site information.
B. Not more than once each month, each state environmental agency and state agency with limited environmental responsibilities shall submit to the Conservation Commission a report listing the environmental pollution complaints received during the previous month. The report shall include the name of the complainant, if known, the address of the complainant, the location involved in the complaint, the name of the person or company and address thereof alleged to be responsible for the pollution and how the complaint was resolved. The report shall be in such form and made in such manner as is required by the Commission. The report shall be in writing or may be submitted in electronic data or machine-readable form at the discretion of the Commission.
C. The Commission shall annually submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Governor containing the total number of pollution complaints filed, the total number of complaints and type of complaints addressed by each state environmental agency, the total number of such complaints resolved, the total number of complaints remaining to be resolved, the average time frame for resolving such complaints, and the historical comparison of complaint resolution in previous years, and any other information which the Commission believes is pertinent in regard to pollution complaints.
D. The Conservation Commission may recover costs incurred in duplicating any reports made pursuant to the provisions of this section.
E. The Department of Environmental Quality shall routinely provide the Conservation Commission with a list of permit approvals for inclusion in the Commission's data base.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 398, § 20, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 213, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-450 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1999, c. 413, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-108. Wetlands Management Strategy - Exclusive jurisdiction - Contents - Submission to Legislature and other officials.

A. The Commission is hereby given exclusive jurisdiction to prepare a Wetlands Management Strategy for the State of Oklahoma. The Strategy shall:
1. Define wetlands;
2. Enumerate their beneficial uses;
3. Identify and inventory wetlands within this state;
4. Recommend measures to mitigate losses of wetlands;
5. Provide measures to protect wetlands; and
6. Define standards for critical wetlands and measures to ensure protection of property rights of landowners.
B. Upon completion, the Conservation Commission is to forward the Wetlands Management Strategy for the State of Oklahoma and to submit said Strategy to the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and to the Secretary of the Environment or successor secretary position.
Added by Laws 1990, c. 243, § 1. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 214, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1621 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-109. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, to be designated the "Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of cost-share monies received by the Commission from the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Program. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Commission for the general operation of the Commission. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 1994, c. 251, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1994. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 110.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-2-110. Oklahoma Conservation Commission Infrastructure Revolving Fund

A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to be designated the "Oklahoma Conservation Commission Infrastructure Revolving Fund".
B. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission from the apportionment of gross production tax revenues as prescribed by Section 1004 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
C. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission for the purpose of the rehabilitation of watershed dams and, for the Conservation Cost Share Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
D. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
E. No more than thirty percent (30%) of the monies in the fund shall be used for the payment of administrative expenses, salary or any other continuing obligation of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission; provided, however, such monies shall not be used for salary increases for employees.
Added by Laws 2006, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 43, § 3, eff. July 1, 2006. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 305, § 3, eff. July 1, 2009; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 111; Laws 2016, c. 226, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-101. Status and powers.

A district perpetuated by the provisions of the Conservation District Act shall constitute a governmental subdivision of this state, and a public body corporate and politic, exercising public powers.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-501, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 215, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-501 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-102. Board of directors - Officers - Filing notice of organization - Quorum - Voting.

A. At the first meeting following each annual election, the board of directors shall organize and shall select and designate a chair, vice-chair and a treasurer. Notice of the new organization shall be filed with the Conservation Commission annually as prescribed by the Commission.
B. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of a majority in any matter within their duties shall be required for its determination.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-416, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 216, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-416 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 110, § 2, emerg. eff. May 2, 2008.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-103. Secretary, technical experts and other employees - Legal assistance - Delegation of powers - Copies of ordinances, rules and regulations, etc., to Commission.

A. The directors of a district may employ a secretary, technical experts and other employees as necessary and determine their duties and compensation. Employees of a conservation district are at-will employees.
B. The district attorney within whose jurisdiction a majority of the area of the district is situated shall act as legal advisor for the board of directors and shall afford the board like representation as is now provided for other county officers. The directors may call upon the Attorney General of the state for such legal services as they may require, or may employ their own counsel.
C. The directors may delegate, to their chair, to one or more directors, or to one or more agents or employees such powers and duties as they may deem proper.
D. The directors shall furnish to the commission copies of such ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, contracts, forms and other documents as they shall adopt or employ, and such other information concerning their activities as it may require in the performance of its duties under the Conservation District Act.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-419, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 217, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-419 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 110, § 3, emerg. eff. May 2, 2008.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-104. Bonds - Records - Audits.

The directors shall provide for:
1. The execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who shall be entrusted with funds or property;
2. The keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations and orders issued or adopted; and
3. An annual audit or, at the Commission's discretion, a review or compilation in compliance with standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, provided that a complete audit shall be conducted at least every three (3) years of the receipts and disbursements which shall be filed with the commission and with the county clerk of each county within the conservation district.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-420, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 208, § 34, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 63, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1993, c. 145, § 218, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-420 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-106. Authority to obtain loan or grant.

A conservation district:
1. Shall be authorized to obtain a loan or grant of any funds, property, equipment or services which any state or federal agency or local governmental unit may be authorized to lend or grant for any of the purposes of the Conservation District Act; and
2. May enter into such contract, loan agreement or other administrative arrangement as may be lawfully required in connection with any such loan or grant; and in connection with any such loan or grant may pledge, encumber or obligate any property or income of the district.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-504, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 220, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-504 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-107. District as local agency.

A. Any district organized under the Conservation District Act shall have power to serve as a local agency for operating and maintaining any project or program concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources that is administered by any local, state, interstate or federal public agency, by entering into a contract or other appropriate administrative arrangement with the agency administering such project or program.
B. In serving as such local agency for any such project or program, the district may use any authority or funds available to it under the Conservation District Act which are required for such purposes.
C. 1. Any agency of the government of this state and any local political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized to make such arrangements with any district, through contract, regulation or other appropriate means, wherever it believes that such arrangements will promote administrative efficiency or economy.
2. In connection with any such arrangements, any state or local agency or political subdivision of this state is authorized, within the limits of funds available to it, to contribute funds, equipment, property or services to any district; and to collaborate with a district in jointly planning, constructing, financing or operating any work or activity provided for in such arrangements and in jointly acquiring, maintaining and operating equipment or facilities in connection therewith.
D. Any district may receive funds, property, equipment and services from any local, state, interstate or federal public agency, or from private donors, for use in serving as the local agency for operating and maintaining a program or project under any such contract or other arrangement.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-503, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 221, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-503 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-108. Long-range program and annual work plan - Annual report - Dissemination of works and activities information.

A. 1. Each district organized under the Conservation District Act shall prepare and keep current a long-range program for the conservation of all the renewable natural resources of the district. The program shall be directed toward conservation of resources for their best uses and in a manner that will best meet the needs of the district and the state, and be consistent with the best uses of the renewable natural resources of the state.
2. The program shall include:
a.
an inventory of all renewable natural resources in the district,
b.
a compilation of current resource needs,
c.
projections of future resource requirements,
d.
priorities for various resource activities,
e.
projected timetables, and
f.
provisions for coordination with other resource programs.
B. The district shall also prepare an annual work plan, that shall describe the action programs, services, facilities, materials, working arrangements and estimated funds needed to carry out the parts of the long-range program that are of the highest priorities.
C. 1. Every district shall publish an annual report of its plans, programs, activities, budget, receipts, and expenditures.
2. The report shall include therein:
a.
descriptions of its official Resources Conservation Program,
b.
the current annual program related thereto, and
c.
the status of all activities initiated under the program.
3. Each district:
a.
shall submit copies of each annual report to the Governor of the state and to the State Conservation Commission, which shall furnish a copy thereof to the appropriate state legislative officers, in accordance with rules concerning the reports to be issued by the Commission,
b.
shall make copies of the reports, and summaries and digests thereof, available to all federal, state and local cooperating agencies and shall make suitable distribution to the general public, and
c.
may publish additional information and reports as may be necessary and appropriate.
D. Every district shall, through public hearings, publications and other means, keep the general public, and all operators or occupiers of land within the district, informed of the works and activities planned and administered by the district, of the purposes these will serve, of the income and expenditures of the district, the purposes for which the funds are expended, and of the results achieved annually by the district.
E. Each district shall submit to the Commission its proposed long-range program and annual work plans for adoption, rejection, modification or revision.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-601, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 222, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-601 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 110, § 4, emerg. eff. May 2, 2008.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-109. Status of district's conservation plan.

A. The long-range resource conservation program, together with the supplemental annual work plans, developed by each district under the foregoing procedures shall have official status as the authorized program of the district, and it shall be published by the district as its "Resources Conservation Program". Copies shall be made available by the district to the appropriate counties, municipalities, special purpose districts and state agencies, and shall be made available in convenient places for examination by any public or private interest concerned. Summaries of the program and selected material therefrom shall be distributed as widely as feasible for public information.
B. Counties, municipalities and other public agencies of the state that are authorized by law to adopt zoning ordinances shall give the directors of the appropriate district opportunity to review and comment on proposed zoning ordinances and amendments affecting renewable natural resources and their uses directly affecting rural areas not within the jurisdictional area of any incorporated municipalities, metropolitan area, planning commission, or their successors.
C. The districts shall submit from time to time to any public agency authorized to adopt zoning ordinances applicable to any area within the district its recommended provisions for inclusion in zoning ordinances, where such provisions would help achieve the land use or other objectives of the district's Resources Conservation Program.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-604, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 223, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-604 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-111. Cooperation with districts.

It is policy of the Legislature to require mutual cooperation and assistance among the governing officers of the counties, cities, other municipalities, conservation districts, other special purpose districts and other political subdivisions of the state in all activities directly affecting the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, within the broad definition of these terms given in the Conservation District Act.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-506, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 225, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-506 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-112. Cooperation between districts.

A. Any two or more districts organized under the provisions of the Conservation District Act may cooperate with one another in the exercise of any or all powers conferred in the Conservation District Act, and expend locally earned district funds in furtherance of such cooperation.
B. Any two or more districts may engage in joint activities by agreement between or among them in planning, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining and administering any program or project concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources. The districts concerned may make available for purposes of the agreement any funds, property, personnel, equipment or services available to them under the Conservation District Act.
C. Any district may enter into such agreements with a district or districts in adjoining states to carry out such purposes if the law in such other states permits the districts in such states to enter into such agreements.
D. The Commission shall have authority to propose, guide and facilitate the establishment and carrying out of any such agreements.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-505, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 226, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-505 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-113. Procedure.

A. The districts shall invite the appropriate counties, municipalities and special purpose districts or other governmental units to designate liaison representatives for consultation on each other's programs and plans for resource conservation. The counties, municipalities, special purpose districts and other governmental units are hereby authorized to appoint such liaison representatives and to participate in the preparation and coordination of local planning and programming for resource conservation. The districts shall designate liaison representatives to advise and consult with such other local agencies.
B. The districts shall consult and cooperate with state, regional, interstate and federal agencies to promote harmony and the avoidance of conflict in the programs and plans for resource conservation developed and carried out by any of them. The districts, other local agencies and the agencies of the government of this state shall provide for liaison and consultation among them for all programs that have direct impact on natural resources, including plans for public land acquisition and management, schools, dams and reservoirs, and other water management structures, highway locations, public utilities and subdivisions. Districts shall hold similar consultations with public and private agencies planning, constructing or operating transportation or communication facilities.
C. State agencies, the districts and other local agencies are authorized to make available to each other maps, reports and data in their possession that are useful in the preparation of their respective programs and plans for resource conservation. The districts shall keep the state and local agencies fully informed concerning the status and progress of the preparation of their resource conservation programs and plans.
D. The districts shall hold public hearings at appropriate times in connection with the preparation of programs and plans, shall give careful consideration to the views expressed and problems revealed in hearings, and shall keep the public informed concerning their programs, plans and activities. Agencies and individuals shall be invited to submit proposals for consideration at such hearings. The districts may supplement such hearings with meetings, referenda and other suitable means to determine the wishes of interested parties and the general public in regard to current and proposed plans and programs of a district. They shall confer with public and private agencies, individually and in groups, to give and obtain information and understanding of the impact of district operations upon agriculture, forestry, water supply and quality, flood control, particular industries, commercial concerns and other public and private interests, both rural and urban.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 346, § 15-602, operative July 1, 1971. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 227, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 82, § 1501-602 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-114. Purpose - Rules - Definition.

A. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission is hereby authorized to establish and administer a conservation cost-share program as funds become available. The conservation cost-share program shall provide monies to eligible persons for the purpose of implementing conservation or best management practices on such eligible land as described in conservation management plans according to rules promulgated by the Commission.
B. The Commission shall promulgate rules governing the cost-share program.
C. To implement the program, the Commission shall require conservation districts to enter into contracts for eligible projects on eligible land detailing the eligible person's responsibilities.
D. For purposes of the conservation cost-share program:
1. "Eligible person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, legally recognized Indian tribe, estate, or trust who as an owner, lessee, tenant, or operator participates in the care and/or management of land within a conservation district;
2. "Eligible land" means:
a.
privately owned land within the state,
b.
land owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state,
c.
land owned by corporations which are partly owned by the United States,
d.
land temporarily owned by the United States or a corporation wholly owned by it, which were not acquired or reserved for conservation purposes, including lands administered by the Farm Service Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, or by any other government agency,
e.
any cropland farmed by private persons which is owned by the United States or a corporation wholly owned by it, and
f.
noncropland owned by the United States on which practices are performed by private persons where such practices directly conserve or benefit nearby or adjoining privately owned lands of the persons performing the practices and such persons maintain and use such federally owned noncropland under agreement with the federal agency having jurisdiction thereof; and
3. "Eligible projects" means conservation practices determined to be needed by a conservation district to:
a.
improve or protect water quality,
b.
reduce soil erosion,
c.
accomplish both the objectives described in subparagraphs a and b of this paragraph, or
d.
reduce feral swine population by use of electronic hog traps.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 271, § 3, eff. July 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2019, c. 308, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-115. Conservation Cost-Share Fund.

A. There is hereby created within the State Treasury a cost-share fund for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to be designated the "Conservation Cost-Share Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Conservation Commission to implement and maintain the conservation cost-share program.
B. The Conservation Cost-Share Fund shall consist of:
1. Money received by the Conservation Commission in the form of gifts, grants, reimbursements, donations, industry contributions, state appropriations, funds allocated by federal agencies for cost-share programs and such other monies specifically designated for the cost-share program. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Commission for the conservation cost-share program; and
2. Interest attributable to investment of money in the Conservation Cost-Share Fund.
C. All donations or other proceeds received by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be deposited with the State Treasurer to be credited to the Conservation Cost-Share Fund. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
D. The monies deposited in the Conservation Cost-Share Fund shall at no time become part of the general budget of the Conservation Commission or any other state agency. Except for any administration costs incurred in development and implementation of the cost-share program, no monies from the fund shall be transferred for any purpose to any other state agency or any account of the Conservation Commission or be used for the purpose of contracting with any other state agency or reimbursing any other state agency for any expense.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 271, § 4, eff. July 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 112.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-116. Applications.

A. The Conservation Commission shall require applicants to submit information, forms and reports as are necessary to properly and efficiently administer the conservation cost-share program.
B. Persons may apply to a conservation district for cost-share funds for eligible conservation projects in the State of Oklahoma, in accordance with rules promulgated by the Commission. To be eligible for reimbursement for a cost-share project, an eligible person must:
1. File a conservation plan approved by the conservation district in which the applicant's land is located; and
2. Enter into a contract with a conservation district detailing the responsibilities of the person.
C. Applications for funds shall be approved or denied by the conservation district in accordance with criteria promulgated by the Commission.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 271, § 5, eff. July 1, 1998.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources › §27A-3-3-117. Financial or general obligation of state - Construction of act.

Nothing in this act or in the contract executed pursuant to Section 3 of this act shall be interpreted or construed to constitute a financial or general obligation of the state. No state revenue shall be used to guarantee or pay for any damages to property or injury to persons as a result of the provisions of this act or the contract.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 271, § 6, eff. July 1, 1998.