Petroleum Act 1998
3(1)Section 29 (preparation of programmes) is amended as follows.
(2)After subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)The power to give a notice under subsection (1) is exercisable—
(a)on the Secretary of State’s own motion, or
(b)at the request of any person to whom the notice may be given (whether or not the notice is given to that person).”
(3)After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A)A person to whom a notice under subsection (1) is given—
(a)must consult the OGA before submitting the abandonment programme to the Secretary of State, and
(b)must frame the programme so as to ensure (whether by means of the timing of the measures proposed, the inclusion of provision for collaboration with other persons, or otherwise) that the cost of carrying it out is kept to the minimum that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
(2B)When consulted under paragraph (a) of subsection (2A) the OGA must (in particular) consider and advise on—
(a)alternatives to abandoning or decommissioning the installation or pipeline, such as re-using or preserving it, and
(b)how to comply with paragraph (b) of that subsection.”
(4)In subsection (3), after “such” insert “other”.