To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse the fee for an expression of interest if the expression of interest becomes inactive, and for other purposes.
Impact
The introduction of HB 6481 could significantly change how leases are administered under the Mineral Leasing Act. The bill intends to make the leasing process more accessible and appealing, potentially increasing the number of expressions of interest filed. The five-year term set for the activity of expressions of interest may encourage applicants to invest time and resources into the leasing process, knowing they would not lose their financial commitment if plans to utilize the lease do not progress as expected.
Summary
House Bill 6481 seeks to amend the Mineral Leasing Act by introducing a provision that requires the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse fees related to expressions of interest when those expressions become inactive. Currently, such fees are non-refundable, which critics argue discourages individuals and entities from engaging in the leasing process. By mandating refunds in cases of inactivity, the bill aims to enhance participation in mineral leasing by providing a safety net for potential stakeholders.
Contention
Some concerns have arisen regarding the financial implications of HB 6481 for the Department of the Interior. Critics worry that refunding fees could strain budgetary resources, especially if many expressions become inactive. Additionally, while proponents argue this change would stimulate interest and investment in mineral resources, opponents may raise questions about the feasibility and wisdom of incentivizing non-commitment in terms of state land management. Overall, the discourse surrounding HB 6481 reflects broader tensions between regulatory policy and economic development strategies.
Expressing support for the recognition of October 26, 2023, as "Intersex Awareness Day", and supporting the goals and ideals of Intersex Awareness Day.
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 615) to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2925) to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to provide for security of tenure for use of mining claims for ancillary activities, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3195) to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 764) to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3397) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6285) to ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6090) to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a threat analysis of any potential threats the illicit fentanyl drug trade poses to the defense interests of the United States.
To amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for an exemption of reimbursement for certain travel to return to the United States, and for other purposes.