§8–1817.

    (a)    By January 1, 1994, the Commission shall adopt criteria that assure the protection of land and water resources in the Critical Area and that shall apply throughout the Critical Area for:

        (1)    Production of oil or natural gas on lands or waters leased by the State; and

        (2)    Exploration or production of oil or natural gas on any lands in the Critical Area.

    (b)    (1)    In addition to other applicable provisions of law, an applicant for any production or exploratory drilling that will occur on, in, under, or through the Critical Area, including wells drilled outside the Critical Area by a method known as slant drilling that will pass through the Critical Area, shall complete and submit with the application an environmental impact study that addresses the potential for any adverse environmental effects on the Critical Area as a result of the drilling.

        (2)    (i)    The Department shall forward a copy of the permit application and the environmental impact study referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection to the Commission for its review and comment.

            (ii)    The Department shall consider and comment in writing on the objections and concerns of the Commission before issuing a permit under this subsection.