AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jun 2, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 17, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Exempts oil and gas exploration and production on nonfederal land from federal drilling permits if less than 50% of the subsurface minerals are federally owned
- Requires operators to submit a state permit to the BLM instead of obtaining a federal permit
- Exempts these activities from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Exempts activities from federal review requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act and Endangered Species Act
- Does not apply to Indian lands
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill reduces federal regulatory authority over oil and gas operations on mixed-ownership mineral estates
- Documented effects depend on the prevalence and geographic distribution of such split-ownership situations—official summary does not quantify affected acreage or projects
- Environmental and cultural review requirements are waived for the exempted activities, though state permitting still applies
- The bill does not establish whether state permits include comparable environmental protections
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Committee ordered the bill to be reported in substitute form (September 15, 2026, vote 21–16)
- Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources discharged (September 15, 2026)
- Subcommittee hearings held (March 25, 2026)
- Bill referred to House Committee on Natural Resources (February 25, 2025)
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 16.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Sep 15, 2026 — Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- Mar 25, 2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Mar 18, 2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- Feb 25, 2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Feb 25, 2025 — Introduced in House