CLAMP Act of 2023 CCP Lease Abolishment for Minerals and Petroleum Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, HB 1569 would fundamentally alter how leasing contracts for federal lands are managed, particularly affecting companies that may have ties to the Chinese government. This policy is viewed as an essential step towards safeguarding U.S. resources from potential foreign exploitation. The bill specifically restricts leases on federal lands for extraction and refining and extends to several associated activities, reinforcing a broader intention to fortify national interests against foreign ownership and control of United States’ mineral and energy resources.
Summary
House Bill 1569, known as the 'CCP Lease Abolishment for Minerals and Petroleum Act of 2023' or the 'CLAMP Act of 2023', aims to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing or renewing leases for federal lands to entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party. This bill addresses concerns regarding national security and foreign influence on American natural resources by restricting access to lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction under specific conditions detailed within the bill.
Contention
There are likely to be notable points of contention surrounding this legislation, particularly concerning its implications for international trade relationships and the potential economic impact on industries that may be affected by these restrictions. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary for national security and to protect American interests from adversarial foreign entities. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns over its implications for energy prices, business operations involving international stakeholders, and whether such sweeping restrictions may lead to retaliatory measures from affected countries.