AZOGCC Oil and Gas Program

Arzon well 1 in Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic requirements for drilling, completing, and producing oil and gas wells are explained in the oil, gas, and geothermal resources rules, which are part of the Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) in Title 12 (Natural Resources), Chapter 7 (Oil and Gas Conservation Commission). Paper copies may be purchased from the Secretary of State. The Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AZOGCC) has authority to approve requests for variance or exception to many of the general statewide rules after notice and hearing.

For technical assistance with the Oil & Gas program, please contact:

Chris Schmidt
Program Administrator
Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
c/o Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-771-4501
Email >

Learning Geology Through Story Maps

Click the following images to take virtual tours by Dr. J. Dale Nations, Vice Chairman of the Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, and Professor Emeritus, Northern Arizona University:

Gray Mountain
Kaibab
Bright Angel


Click the following image to read Dr. J. Dale Nations presentation:

Nations Presentation

Arizona Has Helium

Helium interest has increased since enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013.  Some of the richest helium-bearing gas in the world was produced in Arizona. Helium concentrations range from trace amounts up to ten percent in the Holbrook Basin and Four Corners. Both areas have good potential for additional discovery and production of helium. This potential was the focus of the Winter 2003 edition of Arizona Geology.

Additional reports about helium in Arizona are available online at the AZGS document repository.

Learn more about the Federal Helium Program.

Read the 2015 report by the Government Accountability Office about BLM's difficulties implementing the Helium Stewardship Act.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management conducted its 2018 Federal Crude Helium Auction.

Legislation about the recovery of helium in the House and Senate.

Carbon Sequestration in Arizona

This Spring 2008 edition of Arizona Geology describes potential geologic carbon-sequestration sites in Arizona. The West Coast Carbon Sequestration Partnership (WESTCARB) and Arizona Public Service (APS) tested one of the sites in 2009 (see announcements below). Results of additional sequestration investigations in Arizona are available online at the AZGS document repository by clicking here

Want to Drill an Oil Well?

This issue of Arizona Geology notes areas with best potential for future discovery and describes the process of exploring and drilling for oil and gas in Arizona. It summarizes many aspects of the oil and gas exploration and production process incorporating geology, leasing, permitting, engineering (drilling and production), economics/business, environmental concerns, and regulatory responsibilities of an operator. This issue is a good primer for anyone wanting to drill a well in Arizona. Download Here   Additional reports about oil and gas in Arizona are available online at the AZGS document repository by clicking here. Recent articles about oil and gas are available in Arizona Geology Magazine by clicking here.

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