# A.R.S. § 27-503: 27-503 Waste of oil or gas prohibited; powers of commissioner to prevent waste

> Arizona · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S503

## Section

- **Citation:** A.R.S. § 27-503
- **Heading:** 27-503 Waste of oil or gas prohibited; powers of commissioner to prevent waste
- **Jurisdiction:** Arizona
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Arizona Code / Title 27 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 503

## Text

27-503. Waste of oil or gas prohibited; powers of commissioner to prevent waste

A. Waste of oil or gas is unlawful and is prohibited.

B. The commissioner shall make inquiries he deems proper to determine whether waste exists or is imminent. In the exercise of such power the commissioner may:

1. Collect data.

2. Make investigations and inspections.

3. Examine property, leases, papers, books and records, including drilling records and logs.

4. Examine, check, test and gauge oil and gas wells, tanks, refineries and modes of transportation.

5. Hold hearings.

6. Require keeping of records and making of reports.

7. Take action he deems necessary to enforce and effectuate the provisions of this article.

C. The commissioner may in order to prevent waste and avoid drilling unnecessary wells, permit the cycling of gas in any pool or portion thereof or the introduction of gas or other substance into an oil or gas reservoir for the purpose of repressuring the reservoir, maintaining pressure or carrying on secondary recovery operations of any type. The commissioner shall permit the pooling or integration of separate tracts when reasonably necessary in connection with the operations.

## Nearby sections

- [A.R.S. § 27-501 27-501 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S501.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-502 27-502 Declaration of policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S502.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-503 27-503 Waste of oil or gas prohibited; powers of commissioner to prevent waste](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S503.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-504 27-504 Drilling units; rules and regulations; exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S504.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-505 27-505 Pooling of interests](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S505.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-506 27-506 Regulation of drilling in pools; notice of sale, transfer or purchase](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S506.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-507.01 27-507.01 Common purchaser of crude oil and petroleum; duties; ratable taking; discrimination prohibited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S507.01.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-508.01 27-508.01 Common purchaser of gas; duties; ratable taking; discrimination prohibited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S508.01.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-509 27-509 Certificate of compliance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S509.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-510 27-510 Certificate of clearance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S510.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-511 27-511 Confiscation proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S511.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-512 27-512 Sale of illegal oil or gas or illegal products](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S512.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-513 27-513 Permit to drill well](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S513.md)
- [A.R.S. § 27-513.01 27-513.01 Appointment by drilling permittee of attorney upon whom to serve process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S513.01.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T27_C4_A1_S503. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.