Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

Operators could drill with state permit

This bill would let oil and gas operators drill on non‑Federal surface without a Federal drilling permit. The United States would have to own less than 50% of the underground minerals being accessed. Operators would submit a State permit to the Secretary and could start work 30 days after submission. The activity would not be a major Federal action under NEPA and would not be subject to the National Historic Preservation Act or section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The exception would not apply to Indian land and would not change royalties owed to the United States. The Secretary would still be able to inspect sites, audit production, and collect civil penalties under existing law.