§48. Average specific gravity; average flowing temperature; field rules

            A. The secretary is hereby authorized and empowered, in the absence of the availability of satisfactory actual data based upon observed or recorded specific gravity and flowing temperature determinations, to determine the average specific gravity, and average flowing temperature of the gas at the point of measurement, as produced in each oil or gas field or pool in Louisiana, which after being so determined shall be used to calculate the standard cubic foot.

            B. If for any reason the secretary has not so determined such average specific gravity and average flowing temperature of the gas produced in any oil or gas field or pool in Louisiana, the average specific gravity shall be assumed to be six-tenths and the average flowing temperature shall be assumed to be sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

            C. In the event that the secretary finds the necessity therefor upon the request of any interested party, the secretary shall give notice and hold a public hearing before making such determinations. Promptly upon such determination the secretary shall make and publish such finding and promulgate such reasonable field rules as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Part.

            D. Any person, association of persons, or corporation shall be permitted to use the findings and field rules of the secretary for all purposes under this Part, but if such findings or field rules are not so used in determining volumes under this Part, the volumes so otherwise determined shall be corrected to the basis of the "standard cubic foot of gas" as defined in R.S. 30:47. Nothing herein shall ever prevent the use of actual recorded values and actual test data where available, for all purposes under this Part, and the secretary has been informed in writing of the intent so to use actual recorded values and actual test data.

            Acts 1992, No. 55, §2; Acts 2025, No. 458, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.