Section 5 ILCS 615/1 - DefinitionsWhenever used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, words and terms shall have the meaning attributed to them herein:
(1) "Commence to drill a well": The institution of work in good faith with drilling equipment adequate for the drilling of a well to a depth that will reasonably test the oil and gas productiveness of the public lands where such well is commenced.(2) "Petroleum": Any liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon occurring in nature beneath the surface of the earth.(3) "Proven territory": Territory so situated with reference to known producing wells as to establish the general opinion that, because of its relation to them, petroleum is contained in it.(4) "Public lands": Lands and areas belonging to, or subsequently acquired by the State, including lands of every kind and nature.(5) "Gross value": The value of petroleum at the well produced and saved, without deduction for expense of production.(6) "Person": Any citizen of the United States or person who has, in good faith, declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, or any such association of such persons, or any corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of any state or territory of the United States and authorized to do business in this State.(7) "Department": The Department of Natural Resources.P.A. 89-445, eff. 2/7/1996.