§3150 Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program

Summary

The Secretary must assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in Alaska to build a better database. The work can use tools like side-looking radar and, on public lands outside the national park system, core and test drilling even if the Wilderness Act would otherwise limit drilling. Core and test drilling means taking underground rock samples to check mineral values and does not include drilling oil and gas test wells. The Secretary must consult and share information with the State of Alaska and with the Secretary of Energy and other federal agencies. The Secretary must allow air access for the studies and can set protections, such as avoiding nesting, calving, or spawning seasons. The Secretary may contract with public or private groups to do the work. This does not apply to lands described in section 3141 of this title. Any activities inside conservation system units must follow rules the Secretary creates so they do not cause lasting harm, do not change the area's natural character or ecological systems, and remain compatible with why those areas were set aside.