(a) In performing investigations or administrative functions relating to prevention of escape of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from injection of carbon dioxide or prevention of pollution of the soil or waters of the state, the commission or the commission’s duly authorized representatives may enter any property or facility which is subject to the provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. 2023 Supp. 55-1637, and amendments thereto, for the purpose of observing, monitoring, collecting samples, examining records and facilities to determine compliance or noncompliance with state laws and rules and regulations relating to air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution or public health or safety.

(b) The representatives of the commission shall have the right of ingress and egress upon any lands to halt escape of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from injection of carbon dioxide and to clean up pollution from injection of carbon dioxide over which the commission has jurisdiction pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. 2023 Supp. 55-1637, and amendments thereto. Such representatives shall have the power to occupy such land if necessary to investigate and prevent such escape or clean up such pollution or to investigate and plug any such carbon dioxide injection well. Any representative entering upon any land to investigate and prevent such escape or clean up such pollution or to investigate and plug any such carbon dioxide injection well shall not be liable for any damages necessarily resulting therefrom, except damages to growing crops, livestock or improvements on the land. Upon completion of activities on such land, such representative shall restore the premises to the original contour and condition as nearly as practicable.

Terms Used In Kansas Statutes 55-1640

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Property: includes personal and real property. See Kansas Statutes 77-201
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Kansas Statutes 77-201