Findings, declarations

The Legislature finds and declares that the production of oil and natural gas from sources within the State can provide substantial economic benefits to the public and private sectors of this State; that notwithstanding such potential, the exploratory, drilling and extraction operations incident to such production pose significant risks to the public health, safety and welfare, as well as the natural resources of the State; and that a strict regulatory framework is necessary to minimize the potentially adverse impact of oil and natural gas production operations without jeopardizing the benefits. L. 1985, c. 432, s. 1, eff. Jan. 13, 1986.