Feds Renew Royalty Reporting Rules for Big Oil Companies
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Natural Resources Revenue wants to keep collecting info from oil and gas companies to make sure they pay the right royalties to the U.S. They’re asking for public comments by May 4, 2026, and this renewal won’t change the money or timing but keeps the rules clear. If you’re involved in federal oil and gas leases, this affects you!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory royalty reporting burden
If you hold a Federal oil or gas lease, ONRR is renewing authority to collect information to verify proper royalty reporting and payments. ONRR estimates 120 Federal lessees/designees and 7 States will submit 139 responses annually, averaging 71.32 hours per response for a total estimated 9,913 annual burden hours (OMB Control No. 1012-0005).
Info required to get marginal-property relief
If you seek prepayment, accounting, or auditing relief for a qualifying Federal marginal property, you must submit information under 30 CFR part 1204 to obtain that relief. The rule cites sections including 1204.202, 1204.203, 1204.205, 1204.206, and 1204.209–1204.211 and makes providing information a condition to receive the benefit.
File ONRR-4393 to exceed allowance caps
A lessee may file form ONRR-4393 (Request to Exceed Regulatory Allowance Limitation) with supporting documentation to request exceeding transportation and processing allowance caps for oil and gas produced prior to January 1, 2017. ONRR revised the form's general instructions to align with current regulations and updated the mailstop number.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14799, 2026 Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) is keeping civil penalty amounts the same in 2026 because inflation data wasn’t available. This means companies that deal with oil and gas royalties won’t see any penalty increases this year. The decision follows government rules and keeps the 2025 penalty rates active starting July 22, 2026.
2026-13536, Agency Information Collection Activities: Federal Oil and Gas Valuation
The Office of Natural Resources Revenue wants to keep collecting info from oil and gas companies to make sure they pay the right royalties to the U.S. government. This renewal affects companies with federal oil and gas leases and includes a form for special requests about costs. Comments on this plan are open until August 5, 2026, but there’s no new cost or big change—just keeping things running smoothly.
2026-13133, Federal Oil, Gas, and Coal Amendments
The government is proposing new rules to make oil, gas, and coal reporting easier and cheaper for companies and the federal government. These changes aim to boost energy production by cutting red tape and clarifying how appeals are handled. Industry folks need to send their thoughts by August 31, 2026, so don’t miss the deadline!
2026-08652, Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty Payments on Gas Produced From Indian Lands in Designated Areas That Are Not Associated With an Index Zone
If you produce gas on certain Indian lands that don’t follow a price index, you need to know the official prices for 2024 and pay any extra royalties by July 31, 2026. This update affects gas producers on these lands, setting clear prices and deadlines to avoid late fees. Pay on time or watch interest pile up!
2026-07750, Agency Information Collection Activities; Suspensions Pending Appeal and Bonding
The Office of Natural Resources Revenue wants to keep collecting info from companies about their bonds or financial security when they face suspensions while appealing. This helps make sure everyone plays fair and has the money to cover any issues. If you’re involved, you’ve got until May 21, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs or big changes, just a paperwork update!
2026-06794, Agency Information Collection Activities: 30 CFR Part 1220, OCS Net Profit Share Payment
The Office of Natural Resources Revenue wants to keep collecting info from companies that share profits from oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. This helps make sure the U.S. gets the right payments. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 8, 2026, to speak up—no money changes now, just a paperwork renewal!
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