Voluntary release.

85-06-01-07. Voluntary release. To request a voluntary release of an oil and gas lease, a lessee shall submit a written request to the department for the voluntary release of an oil and gas lease, or portion of an oil and gas leased premises, and shall provide all other documents requested by the department. Approval of a voluntary release is at the discretion of the commissioner and the department shall notify the lessee in writing whether the voluntary release is approved. All oil and gas lease obligations must be current at the time the voluntary release is approved. The lessee remains bound by the terms and conditions of the oil and gas lease, board rules and policies, and applicable laws until the voluntary release is approved by the commissioner. History: Effective January 1, 2020; amended effective April 1, 2026. General Authority: NDCC 15-01-02, 15-05-09, 15-07-20, 15-08.1-06, 61-33-06 3 Law Implemented: NDCC 15-05-09