The bill has implications for how federal lands are managed for multiple uses, including recreation, grazing, and wildlife habitats. By prohibiting leases on no- or low-potential lands, the bill aims to conserve federal resources and reduce the taxpayer burden associated with wasteful leasing practices. This has drawn discussions about balancing natural resource development with environmental preservation, illustrating a growing trend towards enhancing public land protections. Should this bill be enacted, it would require the Secretary to regularly update development scenarios, ensuring that decisions regarding land use are based on current data and analyses.
Summary
House Bill 3377, also known as the 'End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2023', aims to restrict the leasing of federal lands for oil and gas exploration and production unless such lands are deemed to have significant potential for resource extraction. The bill mandates a thorough evaluation of federal lands based on their development potential, which will inform leasing decisions by the Secretary of the Interior. The focus is primarily on preventing speculative leasing of lands that are determined to have low or no economic viability for oil and gas extraction, thereby promoting a more sustainable management of public resources.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the nature of federal land use and the interests of various stakeholders, including energy companies and environmental advocates. Proponents of the bill argue that it encourages more thoughtful and responsible usage of federal resources, reducing financial waste associated with speculative leases. Critics, however, may view it as overly restrictive and harmful to energy independence and economic opportunities, particularly in regions reliant on oil and gas production. Additionally, the provision requiring public participation in the development scenarios may lead to greater community engagement but could also result in contentious debates about land use priorities.
Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023
California Central Coast Conservation Act This bill prohibits the Bureau of Land Management from administering an oil and gas leasing and development program on the Central Coast of California (e.g., Fresno, Monterey, and San Benito Counties) until it completes and publishes a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) assessing the environmental effects of such leasing and development, including the effects on air quality, seismicity, and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the bill establishes requirements for the Environmental Protection Agency's review of the EIS.
Buy Low and Sell High Act This bill revises requirements concerning the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and sets forth provisions to reduce the demand for petroleum fuel and increase fuel supply. For example, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish within the SPR an Economic Petroleum Reserve of up to 350 million barrels of crude oil. DOE must also establish a national network of Strategic Refined Petroleum Product Reserves to store up to 250 million barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel, which may be sold when there is a severe fuel supply interruption within the district in which the reserve is located. In addition, the bill increases the cap on the amount of barrels of petroleum distillate that may be stored in the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve from two million to four million. It also establishes limits on the sale and exportation of petroleum products from such reserves. Further, the bill establishes provisions concerning electrifying the transportation sector, zero-emission vehicles, and a program to increase the amount of crude oil refined in oil refineries in certain countries in the Western Hemisphere.
A bill to establish a Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan to conduct a full investigation and compile a joint report on the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A resolution recognizing the duty of the Senate to abandon Modern Monetary Theory and recognizing that the acceptance of Modern Monetary Theory would lead to higher deficits and higher inflation.