Expression of Interest Sensibility Act
Expression of Interest Sensibility Act
Plain Language Summary
# Expression of Interest Sensibility Act (HR 678) - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill changes how the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) charges fees when people want to lease federal land for oil and gas exploration and development. Currently, the BLM charges a fee upfront when someone submits an "expression of interest" (a request to nominate land for leasing), regardless of whether that land is actually offered for sale.
This bill would shift when fees are charged: instead, fees would only be due if the land is actually offered for lease (either to the winning bidder or, if there are no bids, to the person who made the original request). The bill also requires expressions of interest to remain valid for at least five years. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects oil and gas companies and individuals interested in leasing federal land for energy development, as well as the BLM's fee structure and revenue. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Expression of Interest Sensibility ActThis bill limits when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may charge a fee for an expression of interest, which is an informal nomination to request that certain federal land be included in a lease sale for the exploration for, and development of, oil or gas.The bill requires the BLM to charge a fee to a successful bidder when the agency offers the nominated land for sale. If the land covered by an expression of interest does not receive bids during the lease sale, the BLM must charge a fee to the person that submitted the first expression of interest for the land. Thus, the BLM may not charge fees when the land is not made available for a lease sale. (Currently, the BLM charges a fee when a person submits an expression of interest in leasing land, and the fee must be paid even if the land is not offered for sale.)The bill also requires an expression of interest to remain active for a term of at least five years unless the land covered by the expression of interest is offered at a lease sale.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.