S.Amdt. 2733

Mr. Heinrich submitted amendment SA 2733, which is intended to be proposed to another amendment on the bill H.R. 1. If we want to hold our officials accountable, we need to know what changes they are trying to slip into these massive bills.

What It Changes

• The amendment changes section 50101(b) of the bill by striking paragraph (3) and inserting a new definition for the lease of oil and gas lands.

• It adds a specific definition for eligible lands, meaning all lands subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act that are not excluded by a statutory prohibition.

• It adds a specific definition for available lands, meaning eligible lands designated as open for leasing under a specific land use plan, and that have been nominated through an expression of interest, are subject to drainage without leasing, or are designated available by the Secretary.

• It creates an exception stating that eligible lands and available lands will not include Federal land nominated for a quarterly lease sale under two specific conditions:

** If consultation with Tribes over the leasing has not concluded consistently with applicable authorities.

** If Federal, State, or local elected officials, agencies, or Tribes have filed a protest over the leasing and the Secretary has not made a good faith effort to resolve the issues identified in the protest through consultation with the protesting party.