Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

Limits on Interior drilling permits

If enacted, this bill would limit the Interior Secretary's ability to require federal drilling permits inside certain oil and gas spacing units. It would apply when the Federal Government owns less than 50% of the minerals in the unit and does not own or lease the surface directly affected. It would also apply when a well on non‑Federal surface has a wellbore that enters or crosses Federal minerals. In qualifying cases, Interior could not require bonds to protect non‑Federal land, enter that land without consent, impose mitigation, or require approval for surface reclamation. The exemption would not apply to Indian lands. Lessees would need to notify Interior when they file a State permit and give a copy within 5 days. The lessee or State must notify Interior within 45 days after a State permit is approved. Before drilling, lessees must provide agreements allowing Interior to enter non‑Federal land for inspection and enforcement. This would not change royalty amounts or Interior's other royalty‑management authorities.