H.R.1194 - Federal Lands and Waters Leasing Transparency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1194, the Federal Lands and Waters Leasing Transparency Act, aims to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act. The bill focuses on increasing transparency in the oil and gas leasing process on federal lands and waters. It requires reports on rejected bids, clarifies timelines for lease issuance, and addresses court challenges to offshore lease sales.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely lead to more efficient and predictable oil and gas leasing processes. It aims to limit the impact of court challenges on existing leases and streamline the approval process for related activities. This could increase energy production and revenue generation from federal lands and waters.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the bidding process for oil and gas leases.
- Expedited lease issuance timelines, potentially leading to quicker energy production.
- Reduced uncertainty for leaseholders due to limitations on court-ordered delays.
- Potential for increased revenue generation from federal lands and waters.
- Clarification of the process for challenging offshore lease sales.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced environmental oversight due to limitations on court challenges.
- Concerns that expedited timelines may lead to inadequate environmental review.
- Possible undervaluation of leases if fair market value determinations are not robust.
- May prioritize energy production over other uses of federal lands and waters.
- Could limit public participation in decisions regarding oil and gas leasing.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate federal lands and waters under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Property Clause). However, the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause could be relevant if regulations unduly restrict leaseholders' rights. The bill's provisions limiting court challenges may raise concerns about due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).