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Oil and gas laws and rules

Oil and gas laws and rules

Understand the laws, administrative rules, and official orders that regulate oil and gas activities in Michigan. These resources explain the legal requirements for permitting, drilling, operating, and plugging wells, as well as spacing, unitization, and mineral rights.

Michigan laws

  • Part 615 - Supervisor of Wells

    Governs oil and gas well permitting, drilling, operation, plugging, enforcement, and regulatory oversight.

  • Part 617 - Unitization

    Provides the legal framework for unitizing oil and gas reservoirs to improve resource recovery.

  • Dormant minerals act

    Learn how Michigan law allows dormant oil and gas interests to transfer to surface owners when no claim is filed within the required time.

Administrative rules

Michigan's administrative rules explain how the laws are implemented and include requirements for well construction, operations, environmental protection, reporting, and compliance.

View the Michigan Administrative Codes

Spacing requirements

Find spacing requirements that determine where wells can be located and how oil and gas resources are developed.

  • Spacing orders

    Learn about statewide and formation-specific well spacing requirements, Supervisor of Wells orders, and maps showing where different spacing rules apply across Michigan.

  • Uniform spacing plans

    Learn about uniform spacing plans for Antrim formation wells by reviewing the application requirements, required documentation, and submission instructions.

Compliance and enforcement

Learn how EGLE's Geologic Resources Management Division addresses violations of oil and gas laws and regulations through administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions to achieve compliance.

Learn about compliance and enforcement

Frequently asked questions

  • Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S)

  • Mineral rights

  • Oil and gas production

  • Oil and gas rules

Testing water quality

Resources you can use to protect your water supply:

  • Homeowner Water Sampling Information

    Learn about recommended water quality parameters for establishing a baseline before oil and gas drilling. These guidelines can help homeowners understand existing conditions in their private well water and identify potential concerns.

  • Water Wells in Proximity to Oil and Gas Development: What You Need to Know

    Learn why predevelopment water testing can help private well owners establish a baseline before oil and gas activities begin. Find guidance on recommended testing, what to do if water quality changes, and where to get additional information and resources.

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    Oil and gas

    Learn more about oil and gas in Michigan