What does Preamble of Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Mineral Leasing Act. The stated purpose is to streamline the oil and gas permitting process. The bill also aims to recognize fee ownership for certain oil and gas drilling or spacing units.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act.

What does ACCESS TO FEDERAL ENERGY RESOURCES FROM NON-FEDERAL SURFACE of Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act do?

This section amends the Mineral Leasing Act to establish a process where operators may not require a Federal drilling permit for oil and gas activities on non-Federal surface estate. To qualify, the United States must hold less than 50 percent of the subsurface mineral estate, and the operator must submit a State permit to the Secretary. Activities conducted under this provision are not considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act and require no additional Federal action. Oil and gas exploration and production activities may commence 30 days after submission of the State permit. Certain federal laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act and the Endangered Species Act, will not apply to these activities. The Secretary retains authority to conduct audits and collect civil penalties related to royalties and production. The provision does not apply to Indian lands, and defines 'Indian land' for the purposes of this subsection.

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Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

Last updated: 3/25/2026 · Introduced: 2/25/2025

Author: Stephanie Bice (R-OK)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to allow oil and gas operators to proceed with activities on non-Federal surface estate after submitting a State permit, provided the United States holds less than 50% of the subsurface mineral estate.
Activities conducted under this provision are exempt from certain federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, and do not require additional federal action.
The bill excludes Indian lands from this provision and retains the Secretary's authority to audit and collect penalties related to royalties and production.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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