Number: RL33014
Title: Leasing and Permitting for Oil and Gas Development on Federal Public Domain Lands
Authors: Aaron M. Flynn and Ryan J. Watson, American Law Division 
Abstract: A variety of statutes and agency regulations govern leasing and permitting for oil and gas development on federal lands. This report first explains the legal framework for oil and gas leasing and development on federal "public domain" lands. Second, this report assesses how proposed legislation from the 109th Congress, the Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6), could affect oil and gas development laws. The third section of the report analyzes selected judicial and administrative decisions regarding what steps federal environmental laws require agencies to take before issuing leases for coalbed methane leases. Coalbed methane is a type of natural gas that is trapped in coal seams by water pressure.
Pages: 22
Date: Updated January 26, 2006