82-10-302. Policy. (1) The underground storage of natural gas which promotes conservation thereof, which permits the building of reserves for orderly withdrawal in periods of peak demand, which makes more readily available natural gas to the domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers of this state, or which provides a better year-round market to the various gas fields serves the public interest and welfare of this state.

(2) Therefore, in the manner hereinafter provided, the board and the court may find and determine that the underground storage of natural gas as hereinbefore defined is in the public interest.