Minnesota Statutes Lands and Minerals (Ch. 92-94) § 93.513. Prohibition on production of gas or oil without permit

Subdivision 1. Permit required. Except as provided insection 103I.681, a person must not engage in or carry out production of gas or oil from consolidated or unconsolidated formations in the state unless the person has first obtained a permit for the production of gas or oil from the commissioner of natural resources. Any permit under this section must be protective of natural resources and require a demonstration of control of the extraction area through ownership, lease, or agreement. For purposes of this section, “gas” includes both hydrocarbon and nonhydrocarbon gases. For purposes of this section, “production” includes extraction and beneficiation of gas or oil.

Subd. 2. Moratorium. Until rules are adopted undersection 93.514, the commissioner may not grant a permit for the production of gas or oil unless the legislature approves a temporary permit framework that allows issuance of temporary permits.