42 U.S.C. § 16296 — Low-volume oil and gas reservoir research program

(a) Definition. "GIS" means geographic information systems technology — software that organizes and manages location-based data. (b) The program. The Secretary must set up a research, development, demonstration, and commercial-application program to get the most production possible out of marginal (low-volume) wells and reservoirs. (c) Data collection. Under the program, the Secretary must collect data on: (1) where marginal wells and reservoirs are and their status; (2) how much they can produce; (3) where low-pressure pipelines and gathering facilities are located; and (4) how much natural gas is vented or flared when producing crude oil. (d) Analysis. The Secretary must: (1) estimate remaining recoverable reserves based on different pipeline pressures; and (2) recommend ways to keep producing from these resources. (e) State studies. (1) The Secretary may give a grant to a group of states with many marginal wells to run an annual study of low-volume gas reservoirs. (2) If that group lacks GIS capability, it must contract with a university that has it. (3) The group must work with the state geologist in each state studied. (f) Sharing information. The Secretary may use the data and analysis to create maps and materials that help states conserve natural gas resources.