(a) Operators shall obtain written approval from the Division prior to partially plugging a well, in accordance with Public Resources Code section 3203.

(b) When partially plugging a well, the operator shall adhere to all requirements for plugging and abandonment of a well except for Sections 1723.5, 1723.6, 1723.7(g) and (h), 1745.5, 1745.8, and 1745.9.

(c) The operator of a well that has been partially plugged shall conduct a pressure test of the casing of the well by April 1, 2024, or by the date the partially plugged well becomes a long-term idle well, whichever is later. If an operator has a long-term idle well that, as of April 1, 2019, has been partially plugged for more than 60 months, then the operator shall conduct a pressure test of the casing by April 1, 2020. After the initial pressure test required under this section, the operator shall conduct a pressure test of the casing of a partially plugged well at least once every 60 months.

(d) Pressure testing required under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the parameters specified in Section 1772.1.1.

(e) Idle wells that are partially plugged and tested in accordance with the requirements of this section are not subject to the testing requirements under Section 1772.1 or the engineering analysis requirements under Section 1772.1.2.