Bill · H.R. 7458· House(119-HR-7458)
Domestic ORE Act
- Introduced
- 2/10/2026
- Last activity
- 3/20/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Domestic ORE Act aims to codify notice requirements for mineral exploration on specific public lands. Under this bill, operators must submit a notice to the Secretary concerned at least 15 days before starting an exploration activity that disturbs no more than 25 acres. The Secretary will then review the notice to ensure it contains required information and adequate financial assurance. This process applies to activities like drilling or trenching that exceed casual use but do not involve commercial extraction. The bill establishes clear definitions for terms like exploration activity, public land, and the Secretary concerned.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill establishes a clear regulatory framework and predictable review period for mineral exploration operators.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill streamlines the notice and review process for mineral exploration, which could facilitate more exploratory projects.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+2
Increased mineral exploration activity may bring economic benefits to rural communities hosting these public lands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Streamlined Exploration Process: Under Section 2(c)(1), the Secretary is directed to allow exploration activities to proceed if they meet specific criteria, such as a surface disturbance of no more than 25 acres and the provision of adequate financial assurance.
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Clear Requirements for Operators: Section 2(a) and 2(b) establish a specific timeline and information requirement, allowing operators to know exactly when and what they must submit to the Secretary before commencing activities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Burdens for Operators: Under Section 2(c)(1)(C), an operator must provide financial assurance that the Secretary concerned determines is adequate before an exploration activity is allowed to proceed.
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Regulatory Oversight and Requirements: Section 2(a) and 2(b) require operators to submit a notice at least 15 days before starting work, which may include specific information required by the Secretary under title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Farmers+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 3/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- 2/24/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2/17/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 2/10/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House