Natural resources: gas and oil; ownership and conveyance rights associated with pore space; establish. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6247’26, HB 6248’26
Key claim: A newly introduced House bill would create a Michigan law establishing who owns underground pore space related to oil and gas and how those rights can be sold or transferred, and it cannot take effect unless two companion bills also pass.
Abstract
(HB6249 · 103rd Legislature) Natural resources: gas and oil; ownership and conveyance rights associated with pore space; establish. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6247’26, HB 6248’26 Sponsor: Rep. Cam Cavitt ® + 12 co-sponsors In committee: H Energy Latest action (2026-08-27): Bill Electronically Reproduced 08/26/2026
Why this matters
Michigan currently lacks a clear statutory answer to who owns the underground pore space beneath a property — a question that matters for oil and gas storage, enhanced recovery, and carbon sequestration projects. Establishing ownership and conveyance rules would give landowners, operators, and regulators a common legal baseline for leasing and transferring those rights. As introduced and tie-barred to two companion bills, the change is contingent and its practical effect on ratepayers and industry will depend on the full package.