43 U.S.C. § 1764 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT / Subchapter V: RIGHTS-OF-WAY / Section 1764: General requirements
General requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Boundary specifications; criteria; temporary use of additional lands

The Secretary concerned shall specify the boundaries of each right-of-way as precisely as is practical. Each right-of-way shall be limited to the ground which the Secretary concerned determines (1) will be occupied by facilities which constitute the project for which the right-of-way is granted, issued, or renewed, (2) to be necessary for the operation or maintenance of the project, (3) to be necessary to protect the public safety, and (4) will do no unnecessary damage to the environment. The Secretary concerned may authorize the temporary use of such additional lands as he determines to be reasonably necessary for the construction, operation, maintenance, or termination of the project or a portion thereof, or for access thereto.

(b) Terms and conditions of right-of-way or permit

Each right-of-way or permit granted, issued, or renewed pursuant to this section shall be limited to a reasonable term in light of all circumstances concerning the project. In determining the duration of a right-of-way the Secretary concerned shall, among other things, take into consideration the cost of the facility, its useful life, and any public purpose it serves. The right-of-way shall specify whether it is or is not renewable and the terms and conditions applicable to the renewal.

(c) Applicability of regulations or stipulations

Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed pursuant to this subchapter under such regulations or stipulations, consistent with the provisions of this subchapter or any other applicable law, and shall also be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary concerned may prescribe regarding extent, duration, survey, location, construction, maintenance, transfer or assignment, and termination.

(d) Submission of plan of construction, operation, and rehabilitation by new project applicants; plan requirements

The Secretary concerned prior to granting or issuing a right-of-way pursuant to this subchapter for a new project which may have a significant impact on the environment, shall require the applicant to submit a plan of construction, operation, and rehabilitation for such right-of-way which shall comply with stipulations or with regulations issued by that Secretary, including the terms and conditions required under section 1765 of this title.

(e) Regulatory requirements for terms and conditions; revision and applicability of regulations

The Secretary concerned shall issue regulations with respect to the terms and conditions that will be included in rights-of-way pursuant to section 1765 of this title. Such regulations shall be regularly revised as needed. Such regulations shall be applicable to every right-of-way granted or issued pursuant to this subchapter and to any subsequent renewal thereof, and may be applicable to rights-of-way not granted or issued, but renewed pursuant to this subchapter.

(f) Removal or use of mineral and vegetative materials

Mineral and vegetative materials, including timber, within or without a right-of-way, may be used or disposed of in connection with construction or other purposes only if authorization to remove or use such materials has been obtained pursuant to applicable laws or for emergency repair work necessary for those rights-of-way authorized under section 1761(c) of this title.

(g) Rental payments; amount, waiver, etc.

The holder of a right-of-way shall pay in advance the fair market value thereof, as determined by the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way. The Secretary concerned may require either annual payment or a payment covering more than one year at a time except that private individuals may make at their option either annual payments or payments covering more than one year if the annual fee is greater than one hundred dollars. The Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is granted, issued or renewed in consideration of a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in connection with a cooperative cost share program between the United States and the holder. The Secretary concerned may, by regulation or prior to promulgation of such regulations, as a condition of a right-of-way, require an applicant for or holder of a right-of-way to reimburse the United States for all reasonable administrative and other costs incurred in processing an application for such right-of-way and in inspection and monitoring of construction, operation, and termination of the facility pursuant to such right-of-way: Provided, however, That the Secretary concerned need not secure reimbursement in any situation where there is in existence a cooperative cost share right-of-way program between the United States and the holder of a right-of-way. Rights-of-way may be granted, issued, or renewed to a Federal, State, or local government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, to nonprofit associations or nonprofit corporations which are not themselves controlled or owned by profitmaking corporations or business enterprises, or to a holder where he provides without or at reduced charges a valuable benefit to the public or to the programs of the Secretary concerned, or to a holder in connection with the authorized use or occupancy of Federal land for which the United States is already receiving compensation for such lesser charge, including free use as the Secretary concerned finds equitable and in the public interest. Such rights-of-way issued at less than fair market value are not assignable except with the approval of the Secretary issuing the right-of-way. The moneys received for reimbursement of reasonable costs shall be deposited with the Treasury in a special account and are hereby authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended. Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed, without rental fees, for electric or telephone facilities eligible for financing pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended [7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.], determined without regard to any application requirement under that Act, or any extensions from such facilities: Provided, That nothing in this sentence shall be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing the right-of-way to require reimbursement of reasonable administrative and other costs pursuant to the second sentence of this subsection.

(h) Liability for damage or injury incurred by United States for use and occupancy of rights-of-way; indemnification of United States; no-fault liability; amount of damages

(1) The Secretary concerned shall promulgate regulations specifying the extent to which holders of rights-of-way under this subchapter shall be liable to the United States for damage or injury incurred by the United States caused by the use and occupancy of the rights-of-way. The regulations shall also specify the extent to which such holders shall indemnify or hold harmless the United States for liabilities, damages, or claims caused by their use and occupancy of the rights-of-way.

(2) Any regulation or stipulation imposing liability without fault shall include a maximum limitation on damages commensurate with the foreseeable risks or hazards presented. Any liability for damage or injury in excess of this amount shall be determined by ordinary rules of negligence.

(i) Bond or security requirements

Where he deems it appropriate, the Secretary concerned may require a holder of a right-of-way to furnish a bond, or other security, satisfactory to him to secure all or any of the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the right-of-way or by any rule or regulation of the Secretary concerned.

(j) Criteria for grant, issue, or renewal of right-of-way

The Secretary concerned shall grant, issue, or renew a right-of-way under this subchapter only when he is satisfied that the applicant has the technical and financial capability to construct the project for which the right-of-way is requested, and in accord with the requirements of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §504, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2778; Pub. L. 98–300, May 25, 1984, 98 Stat. 215; Pub. L. 99–545, §2, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3048; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1032(a), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4239.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in subsec. (g), is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49 Stat. 1363, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§901 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of Title 7 and Tables.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–333 substituted "eligible for financing pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, determined without regard to any application requirement under that Act," for "financed pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended,".

1986—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–545, §2(1), inserted before the period at end "or for emergency repair work necessary for those rights-of-way authorized under section 1761(c) of this title".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–545, §2(2), substituted "The holder of a right-of-way shall pay in advance the fair market value thereof, as determined by the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way. The Secretary concerned may require either annual payment or a payment covering more than one year at a time except that private individuals may make at their option either annual payments or payments covering more than one year if the annual fee is greater than one hundred dollars. The Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is granted, issued or renewed in consideration of a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in connection with a cooperative cost share program between the United States and the holder." for "The holder of a right-of-way shall pay annually in advance the fair market value thereof as determined by the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way: Provided, That when the annual rental is less than $100, the Secretary concerned may require advance payment for more than one year at a time: Provided further, That the Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is granted, issued, or renewed in reciprocation for a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in connection with a cooperative cost share program between the United States and the holder."

1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–300 inserted at end "Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed, without rental fees, for electric or telephone facilities financed pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, or any extensions from such facilities: Provided, That nothing in this sentence shall be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing the right-of-way to require reimbursement of reasonable administrative and other costs pursuant to the second sentence of this subsection."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1032(b), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4239, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to rights-of-way leases held on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 12, 1996]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See note set out under section 1763 of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 1068 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 25A: LANDS HELD UNDER COLOR OF TITLE / Section 1068: Lands held in adverse possession; issuance of patent; reservation of minerals; conflicting claims
Lands held in adverse possession; issuance of patent; reservation of minerals; conflicting claims
Status: in_force

The Secretary of the Interior (a) shall, whenever it shall be shown to his satisfaction that a tract of public land has been held in good faith and in peaceful, adverse, possession by a claimant, his ancestors or grantors, under claim or color of title for more than twenty years, and that valuable improvements have been placed on such land or some part thereof has been reduced to cultivation, or (b) may, in his discretion, whenever it shall be shown to his satisfaction that a tract of public land has been held in good faith and in peaceful, adverse, possession by a claimant, his ancestors or grantors, under claim or color of title for the period commencing not later than January 1, 1901, to the date of application during which time they have paid taxes levied on the land by State and local governmental units, issue a patent for not to exceed one hundred and sixty acres of such land upon the payment of not less than $1.25 per acre: Provided, That where the area so held is in excess of one hundred and sixty acres the Secretary may determine what particular subdivisions, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres, may be patented hereunder: Provided further, That coal and all other minerals contained therein are reserved to the United States; that said coal and other minerals shall be subject to sale or disposal by the United States under applicable leasing and mineral land laws, and permittees, lessees, or grantees of the United States shall have the right to enter upon said lands for the purpose of prospecting for and mining such deposits: And provided further, That no patent shall issue under the provisions of this chapter for any tract to which there is a conflicting claim adverse to that of the applicant, unless and until such claim shall have been finally adjudicated in favor of such applicant.

(Dec. 22, 1928, ch. 47, §1, 45 Stat. 1069; July 28, 1953, ch. 254, §1, 67 Stat. 227.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1953—Act July 28, 1953, provided for mandatory issuance of land patents to certain adverse possessors and broadened discretionary power of Secretary to issue patents to parties who have paid taxes on certain public lands since Jan. 1, 1901.
43 U.S.C. § 1342 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 29: SUBMERGED LANDS / Subchapter III: OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS / Section 1342: Prior claims as unaffected
Prior claims as unaffected
Status: in_force

Nothing herein contained shall affect such rights, if any, as may have been acquired under any law of the United States by any person in lands subject to this subchapter and such rights, if any, shall be governed by the law in effect at the time they may have been acquired: Provided, however, That nothing herein contained is intended or shall be construed as a finding, interpretation, or construction by the Congress that the law under which such rights may be claimed in fact applies to the lands subject to this subchapter or authorizes or compels the granting of such rights in such lands, and that the determination of the applicability or effect of such law shall be unaffected by anything herein contained.

(Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, §14, 67 Stat. 470.)
43 U.S.C. § 1348 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 29: SUBMERGED LANDS / Subchapter III: OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS / Section 1348: Enforcement of safety and environmental regulations
Enforcement of safety and environmental regulations
Status: in_force

(a) Utilization of Federal departments and agencies

The Secretary, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Secretary of the Army shall enforce safety and environmental regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter. Each such Federal department may by agreement utilize, with or without reimbursement, the services, personnel, or facilities of other Federal departments and agencies for the enforcement of their respective regulations.

(b) Duties of holders of lease or permit

It shall be the duty of any holder of a lease or permit under this subchapter to—

(1) maintain all places of employment within the lease area or within the area covered by such permit in compliance with occupational safety and health standards and, in addition, free from recognized hazards to employees of the lease holder or permit holder or of any contractor or subcontractor operating within such lease area or within the area covered by such permit on the outer Continental Shelf;

(2) maintain all operations within such lease area or within the area covered by such permit in compliance with regulations intended to protect persons, property, and the environment on the outer Continental Shelf; and

(3) allow prompt access, at the site of any operation subject to safety regulations, to any inspector, and to provide such documents and records which are pertinent to occupational or public health, safety, or environmental protection, as may be requested.

(c) Onsite inspection of facilities

The Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall individually, or jointly if they so agree, promulgate regulations to provide for—

(1) scheduled onsite inspection, at least once a year, of each facility on the outer Continental Shelf which is subject to any environmental or safety regulation promulgated pursuant to this subchapter, which inspection shall include all safety equipment designed to prevent or ameliorate blowouts, fires, spillages, or other major accidents; and

(2) periodic onsite inspection without advance notice to the operator of such facility to assure compliance with such environmental or safety regulations.

(d) Investigation and report on major fires, oil spills, death, or serious injury

(1) The Secretary or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall make an investigation and public report on each major fire and each major oil spillage occurring as a result of operations conducted pursuant to this subchapter, and may, in his discretion, make an investigation and report of lesser oil spillages. For purposes of this subsection, a major oil spillage is any spillage in one instance of more than two hundred barrels of oil during a period of thirty days. All holders of leases or permits issued or maintained under this subchapter shall cooperate with the appropriate Secretary in the course of any such investigation.

(2) The Secretary or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall make an investigation and public report on any death or serious injury occurring as a result of operations conducted pursuant to this subchapter, and may, in his discretion, make an investigation and report of any injury. For purposes of this subsection, a serious injury is one resulting in substantial impairment of any bodily unit or function. All holders of leases or permits issued or maintained under this subchapter shall cooperate with the appropriate Secretary in the course of any such investigation.

(e) Review of allegations of violations

The Secretary, or, in the case of occupational safety and health, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may review any allegation from any person of the existence of a violation of a safety regulation issued under this subchapter.

(f) Summoning of witnesses and production of evidence

In any investigation conducted pursuant to this section, the Secretary or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall have power to summon witnesses and to require the production of books, papers, documents, and any other evidence. Attendance of witnesses or the production of books, papers, documents, or any other evidence shall be compelled by a similar process, as in the district courts of the United States. Such Secretary, or his designee, shall administer all necessary oaths to any witnesses summoned before such investigation.

(Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, §22, as added Pub. L. 95–372, title II, §208, Sept. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 655; amended Pub. L. 105–362, title IX, §901(l)(2), Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3290.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–362 struck out subsec. (g) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall, after consultation with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, include in his annual report to the Congress required by section 1343 of this title the number of violations of safety regulations reported or alleged, any investigations undertaken, the results of such investigations, and any administrative or judicial action taken as a result of such investigations, and the results of the diving studies conducted under section 1347(e) of this title."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Report and Recommendations by Secretary to Congress for Training Program

Pub. L. 95–372, title VI, §607, Sept. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 697, required the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, not later than ninety days after Sept. 18, 1978, to prepare and submit to the Congress a training program report concerning individuals employed on any artificial island, installation, or other device located on the Outer Continental Shelf and who, as part of their employment, operate or supervise the operation of pollution-prevention equipment.
43 U.S.C. § 1772 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT / Subchapter V: RIGHTS-OF-WAY / Section 1772: Vegetation managment,1 facility inspection, and operation and maintenance relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights of way
Vegetation managment,1 facility inspection, and operation and maintenance relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights of way
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Hazard tree

The term "hazard tree" means any tree or part thereof (whether located inside or outside a right-of-way) that has been designated, prior to tree failure, by a certified or licensed arborist or forester under the supervision of the Secretary concerned or the owner or operator of a transmission or distribution facility to be—

(A) dead, likely to die within the routine vegetation management cycle, or likely to fail within the routine vegetation management cycle; and

(B) if the tree or part of the tree failed, likely to—

(i) cause substantial damage or disruption to a transmission or distribution facility; or

(ii) come within 10 feet of an electric power line.

(2) Owner; operator

The terms "owner" and "operator" include contractors or other agents engaged by the owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility.

(3) Plan

The term "plan" means a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan that—

(A) is prepared by the owner or operator of 1 or more electric transmission or distribution facilities to cover 1 or more electric transmission and distribution rights-of-way; and

(B) provides for the long-term, cost-effective, efficient, and timely management of facilities and vegetation within the width of the right-of-way and abutting Federal land, including hazard trees, to enhance electric reliability, promote public safety, and avoid fire hazards.

(4) Secretary concerned

The term "Secretary concerned" means—

(A) the Secretary, with respect to public lands; and

(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System land.

(b) Guidance

(1) In general

To enhance the reliability of the electric grid and reduce the threat of wildfire damage to, and wildfire caused by vegetation-related conditions within, electric transmission and distribution rights-of-way and abutting Federal land, including hazard trees, the Secretary concerned shall issue and periodically update guidance to ensure that provisions are appropriately developed and implemented for utility vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance of rights-of-way, regardless of the means by which the rights-of-way are established (including by grant, special use authorization, and easement).

(2) Limitation

The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall be compatible with mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization.

(3) Considerations

The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall take into account—

(A) all applicable law, including fire safety and electric system reliability requirements (including reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization under section 824o of title 16); and

(B) the Memorandum of Understanding on Vegetation Management for Powerline Rights-of-Way between the Edison Electric Institute, Utility Arborist Association, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency signed in 2016.

(4) Requirements

The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) be developed in consultation with the owners of transmission and distribution facilities that hold rights-of-way;

(B) seek to minimize the need for case-by-case approvals for—

(i) routine vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance activities; and

(ii) utility vegetation management activities that are necessary to control hazard trees; and

(C) provide for prompt and timely review of requests to conduct vegetation management activities that require approval of the Secretary concerned, especially activities requiring expedited or immediate action.

(c) Vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plans

(1) Development and submission

Consistent with subsection (b), the Secretary concerned shall provide owners and operators of electric transmission or distribution facilities located on public lands and National Forest System land, as applicable, with the option to develop and submit a plan.

(2) ERO standards

Owners and operators subject to mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization (or superseding standards) may use those standards as part of the plan.

(3) Plan requirements

A plan developed under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) identify the applicable transmission or distribution facilities to be maintained;

(B) take into account operations and maintenance plans for the applicable transmission or distribution line;

(C) describe the vegetation management, inspection, and operation and maintenance methods that may be used to comply with all applicable law, including fire safety requirements and reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization;

(D) include schedules for—

(i) the applicable owner or operator to notify the Secretary concerned about routine and major maintenance;

(ii) the applicable owner or operator to request approval from the Secretary concerned about undertaking routine and major maintenance; and

(iii) the Secretary concerned to respond to a request by an owner or operator under clause (ii); and

(E) describe processes for—

(i) identifying changes in conditions; and

(ii) modifying the approved plan, if necessary.

(4) Review and approval process

(A) In general

The Secretary concerned shall jointly develop a consolidated and coordinated process for the review and approval of plans submitted under paragraph (1) that—

(i) includes timelines and benchmarks for—

(I) the submission of agency comments on the plans and schedules for final decision; and

(II) the timely review of modifications of the plans in cases in which modifications are necessary;

(ii) is consistent with applicable law; and 2

(iii) includes a process for modifications to a plan in a prompt manner if changed conditions necessitate a modification to a plan; and

(iv) ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, a prompt review and approval process not to exceed 120 days.

(B) Plan modification

Upon reasonable advance notice to an owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility of any changed conditions that warrant a modification to a plan, the Secretary concerned shall—

(i) provide an opportunity for the owner or operator to submit a proposed plan modification, consistent with the process described under subparagraph (A)(iii), to address the changed condition identified by the Secretary concerned;

(ii) consider the proposed plan modification consistent with the process described under paragraph (4)(A); and

(iii) allow the owner or operator to continue to implement any element of the approved plan that does not directly and adversely affect the condition precipitating the need for modification.

(5) Categories of actions not requiring environmental analysis

With respect to the development and approval of plans submitted under paragraph (1), as well as with respect to actions carried out under such plans, the Secretary concerned shall identify categories of actions for which neither an environmental impact statement nor an environmental assessment shall be required under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).

(d) Certain owners and operators

(1) In general

The owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility that is not subject to the mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization or that sold less than or equal to 1,000,000 megawatt hours of electric energy for purposes other than resale during each of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding March 23, 2018, may enter into an agreement with the Secretary concerned in lieu of a plan under subsection (c).

(2) Minimum requirements

The Secretary concerned shall ensure that the minimum requirements for an agreement under paragraph (1)—

(A) reflect the relative financial resources of the applicable owner or operator compared to other owners or operators of an electric transmission or distribution facility;

(B) include schedules as described in subsection (c)(3)(D);

(C) are subject to modification requirements as described in subsection (c)(4)(B); and

(D) comply with applicable law.

(e) Emergency conditions

If vegetation or hazard trees have contacted or present an imminent danger of contacting an electric transmission or distribution line from within or adjacent to an electric transmission or distribution right-of-way, the owner or operator of the electric transmission or distribution lines—

(1) may prune or remove the vegetation or hazard tree—

(A) to avoid the disruption of electric service; and

(B) to eliminate immediate fire and safety hazards; and

(2) shall notify the appropriate local agent of the Secretary concerned not later than 1 day after the date of the response to emergency conditions.

(f) Activities that require approval

(1) In general

Except as provided under paragraph (3), the owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility may conduct vegetation management activities that require approval of the Secretary concerned in accordance with a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d) only with the approval of the Secretary concerned.

(2) Requirement to respond

The Secretary concerned shall respond to a request for approval to conduct vegetation management activities in accordance with the applicable schedules in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d).

(3) Authorized activities

The owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility may conduct vegetation management activities that require approval of the Secretary concerned in accordance with a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d) without the approval of the Secretary concerned if—

(A) the owner or operator submitted a request to the Secretary concerned in accordance with the applicable schedule in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d);

(B) the vegetation management activities, including the removal of hazard trees, proposed in the request under subparagraph (A) are in accordance with a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d); and

(C) the Secretary concerned fails to respond to the request under subparagraph (A) in accordance with the applicable schedule in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d).

(g) Liability

(1) In general

The Secretary concerned shall not impose strict liability for damages or injury resulting from—

(A) the Secretary concerned unreasonably withholding or delaying—

(i) approval of a plan under subsection (c); or

(ii) entrance into an agreement under subsection (d); or

(B) the Secretary concerned unreasonably failing to adhere to an applicable schedule in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d).

(2) Damages

For the period ending 10 years after March 23, 2018, the Secretary concerned shall not impose strict liability in an amount greater than $500,000 per incident for damages or injury resulting from activities conducted by an owner or operator in accordance with an approved agreement under subsection (d).

(3) Rule of construction

Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be construed to effect 2 any liability imposed by the Secretary concerned under section 251.56(d) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on March 23, 2018) and section 2807.12 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on March 23, 2018), for activities conducted by an owner or operator in accordance with an approved plan under subsection (c).

(h) Reporting requirement

(1) Activities that require approval

The Secretary concerned shall report requests and actions made under subsection (f) annually on the website of the Secretary concerned.

(2) Liability

Not later than four years after March 23, 2018, the Secretary concerned shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate that describes the effect on the Treasury of the strict liability limitation established by subsection (g)(2).

(i) Training and guidance

In consultation with the electric utility industry, the Secretary concerned is encouraged to develop a program to train personnel of the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service involved in vegetation management decisions relating to electric transmission and distribution facilities to ensure that the personnel—

(1) understand electric system reliability requirements as the requirements relate to vegetation management of transmission and distribution rights-of-way on Federal land, including reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization and fire safety requirements;

(2) assist owners and operators of electric transmission and distribution facilities in complying with applicable electric reliability and fire safety requirements;

(3) encourage and assist willing owners and operators of electric transmission and distribution facilities to incorporate on a voluntary basis vegetation management practices to enhance habitats and forage for pollinators and for other wildlife if the practices are compatible with the integrated vegetation management practices necessary for reliability and safety; and

(4) understand how existing and emerging unmanned technologies can help electric utilities, the Federal Government, State and local governments, and private landowners—

(A) to more efficiently identify vegetation management needs;

(B) to reduce the risk of wildfires; and

(C) to lower ratepayer energy costs.

(j) Implementation

The Secretary concerned shall—

(1) not later than 1 year after March 23, 2018, propose regulations, or amend existing regulations, to implement this section; and

(2) not later than 2 years after March 23, 2018, finalize regulations, or amend existing regulations, to implement this section.

(k) Existing vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plans

Nothing in this section requires an owner or operator to develop and submit a new plan under this section if a plan consistent with this section has already been approved by the Secretary concerned before March 23, 2018.

(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §512, as added Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title II, §211(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1068.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Utility Infrastructure Rights-of-Way Vegetation Management Pilot Program

Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §8630, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4865, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) National forest system land.—

"(A) In general.—The term 'National Forest System land' means land within the National Forest System, as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).

"(B) Exclusions.—The term 'National Forest System land' does not include—

"(i) a National Grassland; or

"(ii) a land utilization project on land designated as a National Grassland and administered pursuant to sections 31, 32, and 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010, 1011, 1012).

"(2) Passing wildfire.—The term 'passing wildfire' means a wildfire that originates outside of a right-of-way.

"(3) Pilot program.—The term 'pilot program' means the pilot program established by the Secretary [of Agriculture] under subsection (b).

"(4) Right-of-way.—The term 'right-of-way' means a special use authorization issued by the Forest Service allowing the placement of utility infrastructure.

"(5) Utility infrastructure.—The term 'utility infrastructure' means electric transmission lines, natural gas infrastructure, or related structures.

"(b) Establishment.—

"(1) In general.—To encourage owners or operators of rights-of-way on National Forest System land to partner with the Forest Service to voluntarily conduct vegetation management projects on a proactive basis to better protect utility infrastructure from potential passing wildfires, the Secretary may establish a limited, voluntary pilot program, in the manner described in this section, to conduct vegetation management projects on National Forest System land adjacent to those rights-of-way.

"(2) Application.—The pilot program shall not apply in a right-of-way described in paragraph (1).

"(c) Eligible Participants.—

"(1) In general.—A participant in the pilot program shall be the owner or operator of a right-of-way on National Forest System land.

"(2) Selection priority.—In selecting participants for the pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to an owner or operator of a right-of-way that has developed the utility infrastructure protection prescriptions of the owner or operator in coordination with Forest Service fire scientists or fire managers.

"(d) Vegetation Management Projects.—

"(1) In general.—A vegetation management project conducted under the pilot program shall involve only limited vegetation management activities that—

"(A) shall create the least ground disturbance and least disturbance to wildlife reasonably necessary to protect utility infrastructure from passing wildfires based on applicable models, including Forest Service fuel models;

"(B) may include thinning and treatment of surface fuels, ladder fuels, and activity fuels to create or maintain shaded fuel breaks or other appropriate measures recommended by Forest Service fire scientists or fire managers;

"(C)(i) shall only be conducted on National Forest System land; and

"(ii) shall not—

"(I) extend for more than 150 feet from the electric transmission line for which the applicable participant has a right-of-way; or

"(II) comprise an overall width, for both sides of that electric transmission line, that totals more than 200 feet; and

"(D) shall not be conducted on—

"(i) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System;

"(ii) a designated wilderness study area;

"(iii) an inventoried roadless area; or

"(iv) Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited.

"(2) Approval.—Each vegetation management project described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service in accordance with this section.

"(3) Fire prevention.—In carrying out a vegetation management project under the pilot program, a participant shall adhere to—

"(A) Forest Service regulations relating to spark arresting devices;

"(B) Forest Service regulations limiting and prohibiting certain activities conducted by contractors in an area, based on weather conditions and fire danger;

"(C) Forest Service regulations that apply to contractors removing vegetation on National Forest System land pursuant to a timber sale or stewardship contract, including regulations relating to—

"(i) protection of residual trees and timber damaged by contractors;

"(ii) protection measures needed for plants, animals, cultural resources, and cave resources;

"(iii) streamcourse protection and erosion control;

"(iv) fire plans, precautions, and precautionary periods;

"(v) fire suppression costs; and

"(vi) employment of eligible workers; and

"(D) State regulations relating to the prevention of wildfires and contractors removing vegetation.

"(4) Treatment of slash.—In carrying out a vegetation management project under the pilot program, a participant shall treat any activity fuels in a manner that—

"(A) is satisfactory to the Forest Service;

"(B) does not result in a fire hazard; and

"(C) reduces the risk of an insect or disease outbreak.

"(e) Project Costs.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (f)(2), a participant in the pilot program shall be responsible for all costs, as determined by the Secretary, incurred in participating in the pilot program.

"(2) Federal funding.—The Secretary may contribute funds for a vegetation management project conducted under the pilot program if the Secretary determines that the contribution is in the public interest.

"(f) Liability.—

"(1) Activities within rights-of-way.—Participation in the pilot program shall not affect any legal obligations or liability standards that arise under the right-of-way for activities in the right-of-way.

"(2) Wildfires.—

"(A) Operations fires.—

"(i) In general.—With respect to fire suppression costs for a wildfire caused by the operations of a participant in the pilot program (other than an operation or activity of a participant described in subparagraph (B) or (C)), the participant shall reimburse the Forest Service for those costs, subject to a maximum dollar amount to which the Forest Service and the participant shall agree prior to the commencement of the project.

"(ii) Credit for actions by participants.—

     "(I) In general.—If a participant in the pilot program provides actions, supplies, or equipment for use to suppress a wildfire described in clause (i) or at the request of the Forest Service, the cost of those actions, supplies, or equipment shall be credited toward the maximum dollar amount described in that clause.

     "(II) Reimbursement.—If the actual cost of a participant described in subclause (I) exceeds the maximum dollar amount described in clause (i), the Forest Service shall reimburse the participant for the excess.

"(B) Negligent fires.—

"(i) In general.—Subject to clause (ii), if a wildfire is caused by the negligence of a participant in the pilot program, or an agent of the participant, including a wildfire caused by smoking by persons engaged in the operations of the participant, the participant shall bear the cost of damages to Forest Service resources and the fire suppression costs resulting from the wildfire.

"(ii) Limitation.—Except as provided in clause (iii), the costs borne by a participant under clause (i) shall not exceed $500,000.

"(iii) Failure to comply.—If the start or spread of a wildfire described in clause (i) is caused by the failure of the participant to comply with specific safety requirements expressly imposed by the Forest Service as a condition of conducting a vegetation management project under the pilot program or by this section, the participant shall bear the cost of damages to Forest Service resources and the fire suppression costs resulting from the wildfire.

"(C) Exceptions.—This paragraph shall not apply in the case of a wildfire caused by the felling of a tree by a participant in the pilot program, or an agent of the participant, onto an electric transmission line.

"(3) Effect.—Nothing in this subsection relieves a participant in the pilot program of any liabilities to which the participant is subject—

"(A) under State laws; or

"(B) with regard to damages to property other than Forest Service property.

"(g) Implementation.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall use the authority of the Secretary under other laws (including regulations) to carry out the pilot program.

"(2) Compliance with existing laws.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), a vegetation management project under the pilot program shall be—

"(A) consistent with the applicable land management plan for the area in which the project is located; and

"(B) carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

"(3) Modification of regulations.—In order to implement the pilot program in an efficient and expeditious manner, the Secretary may waive or modify specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, including waivers or modifications to allow for the formation of contracts or agreements on a noncompetitive basis.

"(h) Treatment of Proceeds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may—

"(1) retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by a participant in the pilot program; and

"(2) use funds retained under paragraph (1), in such amounts as may be appropriated, to carry out the pilot program.

"(i) Report to Congress.—Not later than December 31, 2020, and 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the status of the pilot program and vegetation management projects conducted under the pilot program to—

"(1) the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and

"(2) the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.

"(j) Duration.—The authority to carry out the pilot program, including any vegetation management project conducted under the pilot program, expires on October 1, 2023."

1 So in original. Probably should be "management,".

2 So in original.
43 U.S.C. § 2404 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 42: RURAL WATER SUPPLY / Subchapter I: RECLAMATION RURAL WATER SUPPLY / Section 2404: Appraisal investigations
Appraisal investigations
Status: in_force

(a) In general

On request of a non-Federal project entity with respect to a proposed rural water supply project that meets the eligibility criteria published under section 2402(c) of this title and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may—

(1) receive and review an appraisal investigation that is—

(A) developed by the non-Federal project entity, with or without support from the Secretary; and

(B) submitted to the Secretary by the non-Federal project entity;

(2) conduct an appraisal investigation; or

(3) provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, the non-Federal project entity to conduct an appraisal investigation, if the Secretary determines that—

(A) the non-Federal project entity is qualified to complete the appraisal investigation in accordance with the criteria published under section 2402(c) of this title; and

(B) using the non-Federal project entity to conduct the appraisal investigation is a cost-effective alternative for completing the appraisal investigation.

(b) Deadline

An appraisal investigation conducted under subsection (a) shall be scheduled for completion not later than 2 years after the date on which the appraisal investigation is initiated.

(c) Appraisal report

In accordance with subsection (f), after an appraisal investigation is submitted to the Secretary under subsection (a)(1) or completed under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall prepare an appraisal report that—

(1) considers—

(A) whether the project meets—

(i) the appraisal criteria developed under subsection (d); and

(ii) the eligibility criteria developed under section 2402(c) of this title;

(B) whether viable water supplies and water rights exist to supply the project, including all practicable water sources such as lower quality waters, nonpotable waters, and water reuse-based water supplies;

(C) whether the project has a positive effect on public health and safety;

(D) whether the project will meet water demand, including projected future needs;

(E) the extent to which the project provides environmental benefits, including source water protection;

(F) whether the project applies a regional or watershed perspective and promotes benefits in the region in which the project is carried out;

(G) whether the project—

(i)(I) implements an integrated resources management approach; or

(II) enhances water management flexibility, including providing for—

(aa) local control to manage water supplies under varying water supply conditions; and

(bb) participation in water banking and markets for domestic and environmental purposes; and

(ii) promotes long-term protection of water supplies;

(H) preliminary cost estimates for the project; and

(I) whether the non-Federal project entity has the capability to pay 100 percent of the costs associated with the operations, maintenance, and replacement of the facilities constructed or developed as part of the rural water supply project; and

(2) provides recommendations on whether a feasibility study should be initiated under section 2405(a) of this title.

(d) Appraisal criteria

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after December 22, 2006, the Secretary shall promulgate criteria (including appraisal factors listed under subsection (c)) against which the appraisal investigations shall be assessed for completeness and appropriateness for a feasibility study.

(2) Inclusions

To minimize the cost of a rural water supply project to a non-Federal project entity, the Secretary shall include in the criteria methods to scale the level of effort needed to complete the appraisal investigation relative to the total size and cost of the proposed rural water supply project.

(e) Review of appraisal investigation

(1) In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of submission of an appraisal investigation under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the non-Federal entity that conducted the investigation a determination of whether the investigation has included the information necessary to determine whether the proposed rural water supply project satisfies the criteria promulgated under subsection (d).

(2) No satisfaction of criteria

If the Secretary determines that the appraisal investigation submitted by a non-Federal entity does not satisfy the criteria promulgated under subsection (d), the Secretary shall inform the non-Federal entity of the reasons why the appraisal investigation is deficient.

(3) Responsibility of Secretary

If an appraisal investigation as first submitted by a non-Federal entity does not provide all necessary information, as defined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall have no obligation to conduct further analysis until the non-Federal project entity submitting the appraisal study conducts additional investigation and resubmits the appraisal investigation under this subsection.

(f) Appraisal report

Once the Secretary has determined that an investigation provides the information necessary under subsection (e), the Secretary shall—

(1) complete the appraisal report required under subsection (c);

(2) make available to the public, on request, the appraisal report prepared under this subchapter; and

(3) promptly publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of the results.

(g) Costs

(1) Federal share

The Federal share of an appraisal investigation conducted under subsection (a) shall be 100 percent of the total cost of the appraisal investigation, up to $200,000.

(2) Non-Federal share

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if the cost of conducting an appraisal investigation is more than $200,000, the non-Federal share of the costs in excess of $200,000 shall be 50 percent.

(B) Exception

The Secretary may reduce the non-Federal share required under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that there is an overwhelming Federal interest in the appraisal investigation.

(C) Form

The non-Federal share under subparagraph (A) may be in the form of any in-kind services that the Secretary determines would contribute substantially toward the conduct and completion of the appraisal investigation.

(h) Consultation; identification of funding sources

In conducting an appraisal investigation under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall—

(1) consult and cooperate with the non-Federal project entity and appropriate State, tribal, regional, and local authorities;

(2) consult with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies to—

(A) ensure that the proposed rural water supply project does not duplicate a project carried out under the authority of the agency head; and

(B) if a duplicate project is being carried out, identify the authority under which the duplicate project is being carried out; and

(3) identify what funding sources are available for the proposed rural water supply project.

(Pub. L. 109–451, title I, §105, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3349.)
43 U.S.C. § 1732 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT / Subchapter III: ADMINISTRATION / Section 1732: Management of use, occupancy, and development of public lands
Management of use, occupancy, and development of public lands
Status: in_force

(a) Multiple use and sustained yield requirements applicable; exception

The Secretary shall manage the public lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield, in accordance with the land use plans developed by him under section 1712 of this title when they are available, except that where a tract of such public land has been dedicated to specific uses according to any other provisions of law it shall be managed in accordance with such law.

(b) Easements, permits, etc., for utilization through habitation, cultivation, and development of small trade or manufacturing concerns; applicable statutory requirements

In managing the public lands, the Secretary shall, subject to this Act and other applicable law and under such terms and conditions as are consistent with such law, regulate, through easements, permits, leases, licenses, published rules, or other instruments as the Secretary deems appropriate, the use, occupancy, and development of the public lands, including, but not limited to, long-term leases to permit individuals to utilize public lands for habitation, cultivation, and the development of small trade or manufacturing concerns: Provided, That unless otherwise provided for by law, the Secretary may permit Federal departments and agencies to use, occupy, and develop public lands only through rights-of-way under section 1767 of this title, withdrawals under section 1714 of this title, and, where the proposed use and development are similar or closely related to the programs of the Secretary for the public lands involved, cooperative agreements under section 1737(b) of this title: Provided further, That nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary concerned to require Federal permits to hunt and fish on public lands or on lands in the National Forest System and adjacent waters or as enlarging or diminishing the responsibility and authority of the States for management of fish and resident wildlife. However, the Secretary concerned may designate areas of public land and of lands in the National Forest System where, and establish periods when, no hunting or fishing will be permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, or compliance with provisions of applicable law. Except in emergencies, any regulations of the Secretary concerned relating to hunting and fishing pursuant to this section shall be put into effect only after consultation with the appropriate State fish and game department. Nothing in this Act shall modify or change any provision of Federal law relating to migratory birds or to endangered or threatened species. Except as provided in section 1744, section 1782, and subsection (f) of section 1781 of this title and in the last sentence of this paragraph, no provision of this section or any other section of this Act shall in any way amend the Mining Law of 1872 or impair the rights of any locators or claims under that Act, including, but not limited to, rights of ingress and egress. In managing the public lands the Secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, take any action necessary to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the lands.

(c) Revocation or suspension provision in instrument authorizing use, occupancy or development; violation of provision; procedure applicable

The Secretary shall insert in any instrument providing for the use, occupancy, or development of the public lands a provision authorizing revocation or suspension, after notice and hearing, of such instrument upon a final administrative finding of a violation of any term or condition of the instrument, including, but not limited to, terms and conditions requiring compliance with regulations under Acts applicable to the public lands and compliance with applicable State or Federal air or water quality standard or implementation plan: Provided, That such violation occurred on public lands covered by such instrument and occurred in connection with the exercise of rights and privileges granted by it: Provided further, That the Secretary shall terminate any such suspension no later than the date upon which he determines the cause of said violation has been rectified: Provided further, That the Secretary may order an immediate temporary suspension prior to a hearing or final administrative finding if he determines that such a suspension is necessary to protect health or safety or the environment: Provided further, That, where other applicable law contains specific provisions for suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a permit, license, or other authorization to use, occupy, or develop the public lands, the specific provisions of such law shall prevail.

(d) Authorization to utilize certain public lands in Alaska for military purposes

(1) The Secretary of the Interior, after consultation with the Governor of Alaska, may issue to the Secretary of Defense or to the Secretary of a military department within the Department of Defense or to the Commandant of the Coast Guard a nonrenewable general authorization to utilize public lands in Alaska (other than within a conservation system unit or the Steese National Conservation Area or the White Mountains National Recreation Area) for purposes of military maneuvering, military training, or equipment testing not involving artillery firing, aerial or other gunnery, or other use of live ammunition or ordnance.

(2) Use of public lands pursuant to a general authorization under this subsection shall be limited to areas where such use would not be inconsistent with the plans prepared pursuant to section 1712 of this title. Each such use shall be subject to a requirement that the using department shall be responsible for any necessary cleanup and decontamination of the lands used, and to such other terms and conditions (including but not limited to restrictions on use of off-road or all-terrain vehicles) as the Secretary of the Interior may require to—

(A) minimize adverse impacts on the natural, environmental, scientific, cultural, and other resources and values (including fish and wildlife habitat) of the public lands involved; and

(B) minimize the period and method of such use and the interference with or restrictions on other uses of the public lands involved.

(3)(A) A general authorization issued pursuant to this subsection shall not be for a term of more than three years and shall be revoked in whole or in part, as the Secretary of the Interior finds necessary, prior to the end of such term upon a determination by the Secretary of the Interior that there has been a failure to comply with its terms and conditions or that activities pursuant to such an authorization have had or might have a significant adverse impact on the resources or values of the affected lands.

(B) Each specific use of a particular area of public lands pursuant to a general authorization under this subsection shall be subject to specific authorization by the Secretary and to appropriate terms and conditions, including such as are described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(4) Issuance of a general authorization pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of section 1712(f) of this title, section 3120 of title 16, and all other applicable provisions of law. The Secretary of a military department (or the Commandant of the Coast Guard) requesting such authorization shall reimburse the Secretary of the Interior for the costs of implementing this paragraph. An authorization pursuant to this subsection shall not authorize the construction of permanent structures or facilities on the public lands.

(5) To the extent that public safety may require closure to public use of any portion of the public lands covered by an authorization issued pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary of the military Department concerned or the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall take appropriate steps to notify the public concerning such closure and to provide appropriate warnings of risks to public safety.

(6) For purposes of this subsection, the term "conservation system unit" has the same meaning as specified in section 3102 of title 16.

(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §302, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2762; Pub. L. 100–586, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2980.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Mining Law of 1872, referred to in subsec. (b), is act May 10, 1872, ch. 152, 17 Stat. 91, which was incorporated into the Revised Statutes of 1878 as R.S. §§2319 to 2328, 2331, 2333 to 2337, and 2344, which are classified to sections 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 35, 37, 39 to 42, and 47 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of such Revised Statutes sections to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–586 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Pilot Program for Native Plant Species

Pub. L. 117–328, div. DD, title I, §101, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5574, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Invasive species.—The term 'invasive species' means, with respect to a particular ecosystem, a nonnative organism, the introduction of which causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or plant health.

"(2) Locally adapted.—The term 'locally adapted' means, with respect to plants, plants that—

"(A) originate from an area that is geographically proximate to a planting area; and

"(B) are environmentally adapted to and likely to become established and persist in that planting area.

"(3) Native plant species.—The term 'native plant species' means, with respect to a particular ecosystem, a species that, other than as a result of an introduction, historically occurred or currently occurs in that ecosystem.

"(4) Nonnative.—The term 'nonnative' means, with respect to a particular ecosystem, an organism, including the seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material of the organism capable of propagating that species, that occurs outside of the natural range of the organism.

"(5) Plant material.—The term 'plant material' means a plant or the seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material of a plant capable of propagating the species of the plant.

"(b) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this section, the Secretary [of the Interior] shall, in accordance with any existing laws and management policies, carry out a pilot program to prioritize the use of native plant species within geographically diverse units of the National Park System and public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

"(c) Implementation.—In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable—

"(1) give preference to the use of locally adapted native plant materials where appropriate;

"(2) incorporate efforts to prevent, control, or eradicate the spread of invasive species;

"(3) incorporate efforts to use native plants in areas that have experienced a recent wildfire event; and

"(4) identify situations in which the use of non-native plants may be warranted.

"(d) Coordination.—The Secretary shall, in carrying out the pilot program under subsection (b), coordinate activities with—

"(1) the National Seed Strategy of the Bureau of Land Management;

"(2) the Plant Conservation Alliance; and

"(3) the Plant Materials Centers of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"(e) Termination of Authority.—The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (b) terminates on the date that is 5 years after the date on which the pilot program is established under that subsection.

"(f) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which the authority to carry out the pilot program terminates under subsection (e), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing—

"(1) the results of the pilot program carried out under subsection (b); and

"(2) the cost-effectiveness of using native plants in units of the National Park System and public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management."

Management Guidelines To Prevent Wasting of Pacific Yew

For Congressional findings relating to management guidelines to prevent wasting of Pacific yew in current and future timber sales on Federal lands, see section 4801(a)(8) of Title 16, Conservation.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with land use permits for temporary use of public lands and other associated land uses, issued under sections 1732, 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation systems for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.
43 U.S.C. § 1337 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 29: SUBMERGED LANDS / Subchapter III: OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS / Section 1337: Leases, easements, and rights-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf
Leases, easements, and rights-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf
Status: in_force

(a) Oil and gas leases; award to highest responsible qualified bidder; method of bidding; royalty relief; Congressional consideration of bidding system; notice

(1) The Secretary is authorized to grant to the highest responsible qualified bidder or bidders by competitive bidding, under regulations promulgated in advance, any oil and gas lease on submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf which are not covered by leases meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of section 1335 of this title. Such regulations may provide for the deposit of cash bids in an interest-bearing account until the Secretary announces his decision on whether to accept the bids, with the interest earned thereon to be paid to the Treasury as to bids that are accepted and to the unsuccessful bidders as to bids that are rejected. The bidding shall be by sealed bid and, at the discretion of the Secretary, on the basis of—

(A) cash bonus bid with a royalty at not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter, fixed by the Secretary in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold;

(B) variable royalty bid based on a per centum in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold, with either a fixed work commitment based on dollar amount for exploration or a fixed cash bonus as determined by the Secretary, or both;

(C) cash bonus bid, or work commitment bid based on a dollar amount for exploration with a fixed cash bonus, and a diminishing or sliding royalty based on such formulae as the Secretary shall determine as equitable to encourage continued production from the lease area as resources diminish, but not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter, at the beginning of the lease period in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold;

(D) cash bonus bid with a fixed share of the net profits of no less than 30 per centum to be derived from the production of oil and gas from the lease area;

(E) fixed cash bonus with the net profit share reserved as the bid variable;

(F) cash bonus bid with a royalty at not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter, fixed by the Secretary in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold and a fixed per centum share of net profits of no less than 30 per centum to be derived from the production of oil and gas from the lease area;

(G) work commitment bid based on a dollar amount for exploration with a fixed cash bonus and a fixed royalty in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold;

(H) cash bonus bid with royalty at not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter, fixed by the Secretary in amount or value of production saved, removed, or sold, and with suspension of royalties for a period, volume, or value of production determined by the Secretary, which suspensions may vary based on the price of production from the lease; or

(I) subject to the requirements of paragraph (4) of this subsection, any modification of bidding systems authorized in subparagraphs (A) through (G), or any other systems of bid variables, terms, and conditions which the Secretary determines to be useful to accomplish the purposes and policies of this subchapter, except that no such bidding system or modification shall have more than one bid variable.

(2) The Secretary may, in his discretion, defer any part of the payment of the cash bonus, as authorized in paragraph (1) of this subsection, according to a schedule announced at the time of the announcement of the lease sale, but such payment shall be made in total no later than five years after the date of the lease sale.

(3)(A) The Secretary may, in order to promote increased production on the lease area, through direct, secondary, or tertiary recovery means, reduce or eliminate any royalty or net profit share set forth in the lease for such area.

(B) In the Western and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the portion of the Eastern Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico encompassing whole lease blocks lying west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude and in the Planning Areas offshore Alaska, the Secretary may, in order to—

(i) promote development or increased production on producing or non-producing leases; or

(ii) encourage production of marginal resources on producing or non-producing leases;

through primary, secondary, or tertiary recovery means, reduce or eliminate any royalty or net profit share set forth in the lease(s). With the lessee's consent, the Secretary may make other modifications to the royalty or net profit share terms of the lease in order to achieve these purposes.

(C)(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter other than this subparagraph, with respect to any lease or unit in existence on November 28, 1995, meeting the requirements of this subparagraph, no royalty payments shall be due on new production, as defined in clause (iv) of this subparagraph, from any lease or unit located in water depths of 200 meters or greater in the Western and Central Planning Areas of the Gulf of Mexico, including that portion of the Eastern Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico encompassing whole lease blocks lying west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude, until such volume of production as determined pursuant to clause (ii) has been produced by the lessee.

(ii) Upon submission of a complete application by the lessee, the Secretary shall determine within 180 days of such application whether new production from such lease or unit would be economic in the absence of the relief from the requirement to pay royalties provided for by clause (i) of this subparagraph. In making such determination, the Secretary shall consider the increased technological and financial risk of deep water development and all costs associated with exploring, developing, and producing from the lease. The lessee shall provide information required for a complete application to the Secretary prior to such determination. The Secretary shall clearly define the information required for a complete application under this section. Such application may be made on the basis of an individual lease or unit. If the Secretary determines that such new production would be economic in the absence of the relief from the requirement to pay royalties provided for by clause (i) of this subparagraph, the provisions of clause (i) shall not apply to such production. If the Secretary determines that such new production would not be economic in the absence of the relief from the requirement to pay royalties provided for by clause (i), the Secretary must determine the volume of production from the lease or unit on which no royalties would be due in order to make such new production economically viable; except that for new production as defined in clause (iv)(I), in no case will that volume be less than 17.5 million barrels of oil equivalent in water depths of 200 to 400 meters, 52.5 million barrels of oil equivalent in 400–800 meters of water, and 87.5 million barrels of oil equivalent in water depths greater than 800 meters. Redetermination of the applicability of clause (i) shall be undertaken by the Secretary when requested by the lessee prior to the commencement of the new production and upon significant change in the factors upon which the original determination was made. The Secretary shall make such redetermination within 120 days of submission of a complete application. The Secretary may extend the time period for making any determination or redetermination under this clause for 30 days, or longer if agreed to by the applicant, if circumstances so warrant. The lessee shall be notified in writing of any determination or redetermination and the reasons for and assumptions used for such determination. Any determination or redetermination under this clause shall be a final agency action. The Secretary's determination or redetermination shall be judicially reviewable under section 702 of title 5, only for actions filed within 30 days of the Secretary's determination or redetermination.

(iii) In the event that the Secretary fails to make the determination or redetermination called for in clause (ii) upon application by the lessee within the time period, together with any extension thereof, provided for by clause (ii), no royalty payments shall be due on new production as follows:

(I) For new production, as defined in clause (iv)(I) of this subparagraph, no royalty shall be due on such production according to the schedule of minimum volumes specified in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.

(II) For new production, as defined in clause (iv)(II) of this subparagraph, no royalty shall be due on such production for one year following the start of such production.

(iv) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "new production" is—

(I) any production from a lease from which no royalties are due on production, other than test production, prior to November 28, 1995; or

(II) any production resulting from lease development activities pursuant to a Development Operations Coordination Document, or supplement thereto that would expand production significantly beyond the level anticipated in the Development Operations Coordination Document, approved by the Secretary after November 28, 1995.

(v) During the production of volumes determined pursuant to clauses 1 (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph, in any year during which the arithmetic average of the closing prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange for light sweet crude oil exceeds $28.00 per barrel, any production of oil will be subject to royalties at the lease stipulated royalty rate. Any production subject to this clause shall be counted toward the production volume determined pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii). Estimated royalty payments will be made if such average of the closing prices for the previous year exceeds $28.00. After the end of the calendar year, when the new average price can be calculated, lessees will pay any royalties due, with interest but without penalty, or can apply for a refund, with interest, of any overpayment.

(vi) During the production of volumes determined pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph, in any year during which the arithmetic average of the closing prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange for natural gas exceeds $3.50 per million British thermal units, any production of natural gas will be subject to royalties at the lease stipulated royalty rate. Any production subject to this clause shall be counted toward the production volume determined pursuant to clauses 1 (ii) or (iii). Estimated royalty payments will be made if such average of the closing prices for the previous year exceeds $3.50. After the end of the calendar year, when the new average price can be calculated, lessees will pay any royalties due, with interest but without penalty, or can apply for a refund, with interest, of any overpayment.

(vii) The prices referred to in clauses (v) and (vi) of this subparagraph shall be changed during any calendar year after 1994 by the percentage, if any, by which the implicit price deflator for the gross domestic product changed during the preceding calendar year.

(4)(A) The Secretary of Energy shall submit any bidding system authorized in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (1) to the Senate and House of Representatives. The Secretary may institute such bidding system unless either the Senate or the House of Representatives passes a resolution of disapproval within thirty days after receipt of the bidding system.

(B) Subparagraphs (C) through (J) of this paragraph are enacted by Congress—

(i) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such they are deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but they are applicable only with respect to the procedures to be followed in that House in the case of resolutions described by this paragraph, and they supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and

(ii) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.

(C) A resolution disapproving a bidding system submitted pursuant to this paragraph shall immediately be referred to a committee (and all resolutions with respect to the same request shall be referred to the same committee) by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be.

(D) If the committee to which has been referred any resolution disapproving the bidding system of the Secretary has not reported the resolution at the end of ten calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to move either to discharge the committee from further consideration of the resolution or to discharge the committee from further consideration of any other resolution with respect to the same bidding system which has been referred to the committee.

(E) A motion to discharge may be made only by an individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after the committee has reported a resolution with respect to the same recommendation), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour, to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to.

(F) If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be renewed, nor may another motion to discharge the committee be made with respect to any other resolution with respect to the same bidding system.

(G) When the committee has reported, or has been discharged from further consideration of, a resolution as provided in this paragraph, it shall be at any time thereafter in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to.

(H) Debate on the resolution is limited to not more than two hours, to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. A motion further to limit debate is not debatable. An amendment to, or motion to recommit, the resolution is not in order, and it is not in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the resolution is agreed to or disagreed to.

(I) Motions to postpone, made with respect to the discharge from the committee, or the consideration of a resolution with respect to a bidding system, and motions to proceed to the consideration of other business, shall be decided without debate.

(J) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a resolution with respect to a bidding system shall be decided without debate.

(5)(A) During the five-year period commencing on September 18, 1978, the Secretary may, in order to obtain statistical information to determine which bidding alternatives will best accomplish the purposes and policies of this subchapter, require, as to no more than 10 per centum of the tracts offered each year, each bidder to submit bids for any area of the outer Continental Shelf in accordance with more than one of the bidding systems set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection. For such statistical purposes, leases may be awarded using a bidding alternative selected at random for the acquisition of valid statistical data if such bidding alternative is otherwise consistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(B) The bidding systems authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection, other than the system authorized by subparagraph (A), shall be applied to not less than 20 per centum and not more than 60 per centum of the total area offered for leasing each year during the five-year period beginning on September 18, 1978, unless the Secretary determines that the requirements set forth in this subparagraph are inconsistent with the purposes and policies of this subchapter.

(6) At least ninety days prior to notice of any lease sale under subparagraph (D), (E), (F), or, if appropriate, (H) of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall by regulation establish rules to govern the calculation of net profits. In the event of any dispute between the United States and a lessee concerning the calculation of the net profits under the regulation issued pursuant to this paragraph, the burden of proof shall be on the lessee.

(7) After an oil and gas lease is granted pursuant to any of the work commitment options of paragraph (1) of this subsection—

(A) the lessee, at its option, shall deliver to the Secretary upon issuance of the lease either (i) a cash deposit for the full amount of the exploration work commitment, or (ii) a performance bond in form and substance and with a surety satisfactory to the Secretary, in the principal amount of such exploration work commitment assuring the Secretary that such commitment shall be faithfully discharged in accordance with this section, regulations, and the lease; and for purposes of this subparagraph, the principal amount of such cash deposit or bond may, in accordance with regulations, be periodically reduced upon proof, satisfactory to the Secretary, that a portion of the exploration work commitment has been satisfied;

(B) 50 per centum of all exploration expenditures on, or directly related to, the lease, including, but not limited to (i) geological investigations and related activities, (ii) geophysical investigations including seismic, geomagnetic, and gravity surveys, data processing and interpretation, and (iii) exploratory drilling, core drilling, redrilling, and well completion or abandonment, including the drilling of wells sufficient to determine the size and a real extent of any newly discovered field, and including the cost of mobilization and demobilization of drilling equipment, shall be included in satisfaction of the commitment, except that the lessee's general overhead cost shall not be so included against the work commitment, but its cost (including employee benefits) of employees directly assigned to such exploration work shall be so included; and

(C) if at the end of the primary term of the lease, including any extension thereof, the full dollar amount of the exploration work commitment has not been satisfied, the balance shall then be paid in cash to the Secretary.

(8) Not later than thirty days before any lease sale, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a notice—

(A) identifying any bidding system which will be utilized for such lease sale and the reasons for the utilization of such bidding system; and

(B) designating the lease tracts selected which are to be offered in such sale under the bidding system authorized by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) and the lease tracts selected which are to be offered under any one or more of the bidding systems authorized by subparagraphs (B) through (H) of paragraph (1), and the reasons such lease tracts are to be offered under a particular bidding system.

(b) Terms and provisions of oil and gas leases

An oil and gas lease issued pursuant to this section shall—

(1) be for a tract consisting of a compact area not exceeding five thousand seven hundred and sixty acres, as the Secretary may determine, unless the Secretary finds that a larger area is necessary to comprise a reasonable economic production unit;

(2) be for an initial period of—

(A) five years; or

(B) not to exceed ten years where the Secretary finds that such longer period is necessary to encourage exploration and development in areas because of unusually deep water or other unusually adverse conditions,

and as long after such initial period as oil or gas is produced from the area in paying quantities, or drilling or well reworking operations as approved by the Secretary are conducted thereon;

(3) require the payment of amount or value as determined by one of the bidding systems set forth in subsection (a) of this section;

(4) entitle the lessee to explore, develop, and produce the oil and gas contained within the lease area, conditioned upon due diligence requirements and the approval of the development and production plan required by this subchapter;

(5) provide for suspension or cancellation of the lease during the initial lease term or thereafter pursuant to section 1334 of this title;

(6) contain such rental and other provisions as the Secretary may prescribe at the time of offering the area for lease; and

(7) provide a requirement that the lessee offer 20 per centum of the crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids produced on such lease, at the market value and point of delivery applicable to Federal royalty oil, to small or independent refiners as defined in the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 2 [15 U.S.C. 751 et seq.].

(c) Antitrust review of lease sales

(1) Following each notice of a proposed lease sale and before the acceptance of bids and the issuance of leases based on such bids, the Secretary shall allow the Attorney General, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, thirty days to review the results of such lease sale, except that the Attorney General, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, may agree to a shorter review period.

(2) The Attorney General may, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, conduct such antitrust review on the likely effects the issuance of such leases would have on competition as the Attorney General, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, deems appropriate and shall advise the Secretary with respect to such review. The Secretary shall provide such information as the Attorney General, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, may require in order to conduct any antitrust review pursuant to this paragraph and to make recommendations pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(3) The Attorney General, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, may make such recommendations to the Secretary, including the nonacceptance of any bid, as may be appropriate to prevent any situation inconsistent with the antitrust laws. If the Secretary determines, or if the Attorney General advises the Secretary, after consultation with the Federal Trade Commission and prior to the issuance of any lease, that such lease may create or maintain a situation inconsistent with the antitrust laws, the Secretary may—

(A) refuse (i) to accept an otherwise qualified bid for such lease, or (ii) to issue such lease, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section; or

(B) issue such lease, and notify the lessee and the Attorney General of the reason for such decision.

(4)(A) Nothing in this subsection shall restrict the power under any other Act or the common law of the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or any other Federal department or agency to secure information, conduct reviews, make recommendations, or seek appropriate relief.

(B) Neither the issuance of a lease nor anything in this subsection shall modify or abridge any private right of action under the antitrust laws.

(d) Due diligence

No bid for a lease may be submitted if the Secretary finds, after notice and hearing, that the bidder is not meeting due diligence requirements on other leases.

(e) Secretary's approval for sale, exchange, assignment, or other transfer of leases

No lease issued under this subchapter may be sold, exchanged, assigned, or otherwise transferred except with the approval of the Secretary. Prior to any such approval, the Secretary shall consult with and give due consideration to the views of the Attorney General.

(f) Antitrust immunity or defenses

Nothing in this subchapter shall be deemed to convey to any person, association, corporation, or other business organization immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under any antitrust law.

(g) Leasing of lands within three miles of seaward boundaries of coastal States; deposit of revenues; distribution of revenues

(1) At the time of soliciting nominations for the leasing of lands containing tracts wholly or partially within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary of any coastal State, and subsequently as new information is obtained or developed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall, in addition to the information required by section 1352 of this title, provide the Governor of such State—

(A) an identification and schedule of the areas and regions proposed to be offered for leasing;

(B) at the request of the Governor of such State, all information from all sources concerning the geographical, geological, and ecological characteristics of such tracts;

(C) an estimate of the oil and gas reserves in the areas proposed for leasing; and

(D) at the request of the Governor of such State, an identification of any field, geological structure, or trap located wholly or partially within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary of such coastal State, including all information relating to the entire field, geological structure, or trap.

The provisions of the first sentence of subsection (c) and the provisions of subsections (e)–(h) of section 1352 of this title shall be applicable to the release by the Secretary of any information to any coastal State under this paragraph. In addition, the provisions of subsections (c) and (e)–(h) of section 1352 of this title shall apply in their entirety to the release by the Secretary to any coastal State of any information relating to Federal lands beyond three nautical miles of the seaward boundary of such coastal State.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary shall deposit into a separate account in the Treasury of the United States all bonuses, rents, and royalties, and other revenues (derived from any bidding system authorized under subsection (a)(1)), excluding Federal income and windfall profits taxes, and derived from any lease issued after September 18, 1978 of any Federal tract which lies wholly (or, in the case of Alaska, partially until seven years from the date of settlement of any boundary dispute that is the subject of an agreement under section 1336 of this title entered into prior to January 1, 1986 or until April 15, 1993 with respect to any other tract) within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary of any coastal State, or, (except as provided above for Alaska) in the case where a Federal tract lies partially within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary, a percentage of bonuses, rents, royalties, and other revenues (derived from any bidding system authorized under subsection (a)(1)), excluding Federal income and windfall profits taxes, and derived from any lease issued after September 18, 1978 of such tract equal to the percentage of surface acreage of the tract that lies within such three nautical miles. Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, not later than the last business day of the month following the month in which those revenues are deposited in the Treasury, the Secretary shall transmit to such coastal State 27 percent of those revenues, together with all accrued interest thereon. The remaining balance of such revenues shall be transmitted simultaneously to the miscellaneous receipts account of the Treasury of the United States.

(3) Whenever the Secretary or the Governor of a coastal State determines that a common potentially hydrocarbon-bearing area may underlie the Federal and State boundary, the Secretary or the Governor shall notify the other party in writing of his determination and the Secretary shall provide to the Governor notice of the current and projected status of the tract or tracts containing the common potentially hydrocarbon-bearing area. If the Secretary has leased or intends to lease such tract or tracts, the Secretary and the Governor of the coastal State may enter into an agreement to divide the revenues from production of any common potentially hydrocarbon-bearing area, by unitization or other royalty sharing agreement, pursuant to existing law. If the Secretary and the Governor do not enter into an agreement, the Secretary may nevertheless proceed with the leasing of the tract or tracts. Any revenues received by the United States under such an agreement shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (2).

(4) The deposits in the Treasury account described in this section shall be invested by the Secretary of the Treasury in securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States having maturities suitable to the needs of the account and yielding the highest reasonably available interest rates as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

(5)(A) When there is a boundary dispute between the United States and a State which is subject to an agreement under section 1336 of this title, the Secretary shall credit to the account established pursuant to such agreement all bonuses, rents, and royalties, and other revenues (derived from any bidding system authorized under subsection (a)(1)), excluding Federal income and windfall profits taxes, and derived from any lease issued after September 18, 1978 of any Federal tract which lies wholly or partially within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary asserted by the State, if that money has not otherwise been deposited in such account. Proceeds of an escrow account established pursuant to an agreement under section 1336 of this title shall be distributed as follows:

(i) Twenty-seven percent of all bonuses, rents, and royalties, and other revenues (derived from any bidding system authorized under subsection (a)(1)), excluding Federal income and windfall profits taxes, and derived from any lease issued after September 18, 1978, of any tract which lies wholly within three nautical miles of the seaward boundary asserted by the Federal Government in the boundary dispute, together with all accrued interest thereon, shall be paid to the State either—

(I) within thirty days of December 1, 1987, or

(II) by the last business day of the month following the month in which those revenues are deposited in the Treasury, whichever date is later.

(ii) Upon the settlement of a boundary dispute which is subject to a section 1336 of this title agreement between the United States and a State, the Secretary shall pay to such State any additional moneys due such State from amounts deposited in or credited to the escrow account. If there is insufficient money deposited in the escrow account, the Secretary shall transmit, from any revenues derived from any lease of Federal lands under this subchapter, the remaining balance due such State in accordance with the formula set forth in section 8004(b)(1)(B) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1985.

(B) This paragraph applies to all Federal oil and gas lease sales, under this subchapter, including joint lease sales, occurring after September 18, 1978.

(6) This section shall be deemed to take effect on October 1, 1985, for purposes of determining the amounts to be deposited in the separate account and the States' shares described in paragraph (2).

(7) When the Secretary leases any tract which lies wholly or partially within three miles of the seaward boundary of two or more States, the revenues from such tract shall be distributed as otherwise provided by this section, except that the State's share of such revenues that would otherwise result under this section shall be divided equally among such States.

(h) State claims to jurisdiction over submerged lands

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to alter, limit, or modify any claim of any State to any jurisdiction over, or any right, title, or interest in, any submerged lands.

(i) Sulphur leases; award to highest bidder; method of bidding

In order to meet the urgent need for further exploration and development of the sulphur deposits in the submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf, the Secretary is authorized to grant to the qualified persons offering the highest cash bonuses on a basis of competitive bidding sulphur leases on submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf, which are not covered by leases which include sulphur and meet the requirements of section 1335(a) of this title, and which sulphur leases shall be offered for bid by sealed bids and granted on separate leases from oil and gas leases, and for a separate consideration, and without priority or preference accorded to oil and gas lessees on the same area.

(j) Terms and provisions of sulphur leases

A sulphur lease issued by the Secretary pursuant to this section shall (1) cover an area of such size and dimensions as the Secretary may determine, (2) be for a period of not more than ten years and so long thereafter as sulphur may be produced from the area in paying quantities or drilling, well reworking, plant construction, or other operations for the production of sulphur, as approved by the Secretary, are conducted thereon, (3) require the payment to the United States of such royalty as may be specified in the lease but not less than 5 per centum of the gross production or value of the sulphur at the wellhead, and (4) contain such rental provisions and such other terms and provisions as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe at the time of offering the area for lease.

(k) Other mineral leases; award to highest bidder; terms and conditions; agreements for use of resources for shore protection, beach or coastal wetlands restoration, or other projects

(1) The Secretary is authorized to grant to the qualified persons offering the highest cash bonuses on a basis of competitive bidding leases of any mineral other than oil, gas, and sulphur in any area of the outer Continental Shelf not then under lease for such mineral upon such royalty, rental, and other terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe at the time of offering the area for lease.

(2)(A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may negotiate with any person an agreement for the use of Outer Continental Shelf sand, gravel and shell resources—

(i) for use in a program of, or project for, shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration undertaken by a Federal, State, or local government agency; or

(ii) for use in a construction project, other than a project described in clause (i), that is funded in whole or in part by or authorized by the Federal Government.

(B) In carrying out a negotiation under this paragraph, the Secretary may assess a fee based on an assessment of the value of the resources and the public interest served by promoting development of the resources. No fee shall be assessed directly or indirectly under this subparagraph against a Federal, State, or local government agency.

(C) The Secretary may, through this paragraph and in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, seek to facilitate projects in the coastal zone, as such term is defined in section 1453 of title 16, that promote the policy set forth in section 1452 of title 16.

(D) Any Federal agency which proposes to make use of sand, gravel and shell resources subject to the provisions of this subchapter shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Secretary concerning the potential use of those resources. The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on any proposed project for the use of those resources prior to the use of those resources.

(l) Publication of notices of sale and terms of bidding

Notice of sale of leases, and the terms of bidding, authorized by this section shall be published at least thirty days before the date of sale in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(m) Disposition of revenues

All moneys paid to the Secretary for or under leases granted pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 1338 of this title.

(n) Issuance of lease as nonprejudicial to ultimate settlement or adjudication of controversies

The issuance of any lease by the Secretary pursuant to this subchapter, or the making of any interim arrangements by the Secretary pursuant to section 1336 of this title shall not prejudice the ultimate settlement or adjudication of the question as to whether or not the area involved is in the outer Continental Shelf.

(o) Cancellation of leases for fraud

The Secretary may cancel any lease obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.

(p) Leases, easements, or rights-of-way for energy and related purposes

(1) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating and other relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government, may grant a lease, easement, or right-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf for activities not otherwise authorized in this subchapter, the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9101 et seq.), or other applicable law, if those activities—

(A) support exploration, development, production, or storage of oil or natural gas, except that a lease, easement, or right-of-way shall not be granted in an area in which oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities are prohibited by a moratorium;

(B) support transportation of oil or natural gas, excluding shipping activities;

(C) produce or support production, transportation, storage, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas;

(D) use, for energy-related purposes or for other authorized marine-related purposes, facilities currently or previously used for activities authorized under this subchapter, except that any oil and gas energy-related uses shall not be authorized in areas in which oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities are prohibited by a moratorium; or

(E) provide for, support, or are directly related to the injection of a carbon dioxide stream into sub-seabed geologic formations for the purpose of long-term carbon sequestration.

(2) Payments and revenues

(A) The Secretary shall establish royalties, fees, rentals, bonuses, or other payments to ensure a fair return to the United States for any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted under this subsection.

(B) The Secretary shall provide for the payment of 27 percent of the revenues received by the Federal Government as a result of payments under this section from projects that are located wholly or partially within the area extending three nautical miles seaward of State submerged lands. Payments shall be made based on a formula established by the Secretary by rulemaking no later than 180 days after August 8, 2005, that provides for equitable distribution, based on proximity to the project, among coastal states that have a coastline that is located within 15 miles of the geographic center of the project.

(3) Competitive or noncompetitive basis

Except with respect to projects that meet the criteria established under section 388(d) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Secretary shall issue a lease, easement, or right-of-way under paragraph (1) on a competitive basis unless the Secretary determines after public notice of a proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is no competitive interest.

(4) Requirements

The Secretary shall ensure that any activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that provides for—

(A) safety;

(B) protection of the environment;

(C) prevention of waste;

(D) conservation of the natural resources of the outer Continental Shelf;

(E) coordination with relevant Federal agencies;

(F) protection of national security interests of the United States;

(G) protection of correlative rights in the outer Continental Shelf;

(H) a fair return to the United States for any lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;

(I) prevention of interference with reasonable uses (as determined by the Secretary) of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas;

(J) consideration of—

(i) the location of, and any schedule relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and

(ii) any other use of the sea or seabed, including use for a fishery, a sealane, a potential site of a deepwater port, or navigation;

(K) public notice and comment on any proposal submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and

(L) oversight, inspection, research, monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection.

(5) Lease duration, suspension, and cancellation

The Secretary shall provide for the duration, issuance, transfer, renewal, suspension, and cancellation of a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection.

(6) Security

The Secretary shall require the holder of a lease, easement, or right-of-way granted under this subsection to—

(A) furnish a surety bond or other form of security, as prescribed by the Secretary;

(B) comply with such other requirements as the Secretary considers necessary to protect the interests of the public and the United States; and

(C) provide for the restoration of the lease, easement, or right-of-way.

(7) Coordination and consultation with affected State and local governments

The Secretary shall provide for coordination and consultation with the Governor of any State or the executive of any local government that may be affected by a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection.

(8) Regulations

Not later than 270 days after August 8, 2005, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of Commerce, heads of other relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and the Governor of any affected State, shall issue any necessary regulations to carry out this subsection.

(9) Effect of subsection

Nothing in this subsection displaces, supersedes, limits, or modifies the jurisdiction, responsibility, or authority of any Federal or State agency under any other Federal law.

(10) Applicability

This subsection does not apply to any area on the outer Continental Shelf within the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, or National Marine Sanctuary System, or any National Monument.

(Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, §8, 67 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 95–372, title II, §205(a), (b), Sept. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 640, 644; Pub. L. 99–272, title VIII, §8003, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 148; Pub. L. 100–202, §101(g) [title I, §100], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–213, 1329–225; Pub. L. 103–426, §1(a), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4371; Pub. L. 104–58, title III, §§302, 303, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 563, 565; Pub. L. 105–362, title IX, §901(k), Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3290; Pub. L. 106–53, title II, §215(b)(1), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 292; Pub. L. 109–58, title III, §§346, 388(a), (c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 704, 744, 747; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title III, §§40307(b), 40343, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1003, 1033; Pub. L. 117–169, title V, §50261, Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2056.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is Pub. L. 93–159, Nov. 27, 1973, 87 Stat. 628, which was classified generally to chapter 16A (§751 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, and was omitted from the Code pursuant to section 760g of Title 15, which provided for the expiration of the President's authority under that chapter on Sept. 30, 1981.

Section 8004(b)(1)(B) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1985, referred to in subsec. (g)(5)(A), is section 8004(b)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 99–272, which is set out as a note below.

The Deepwater Port Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (p)(1), is Pub. L. 93–627, Jan. 3, 1975, 88 Stat. 2126, which is classified principally to chapter 29 (§1501 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1501 of Title 33 and Tables.

The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (p)(1), is Pub. L. 96–320, Aug. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 974, which is classified principally to chapter 99 (§9101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 388(d) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, referred to in subsec. (p)(3), is section 388(d) of Pub. L. 109–58, which is set out as a note under this section.

Codification

In subsec. (a)(3)(C)(ii), "section 702 of title 5" substituted for "section 10(a) of the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 702)" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

August 8, 2005, referred to in subsec. (p)(2)(B), was in the original "the date of enactment of this section", which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109–58, which enacted subsec. (p) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(A), (C). Pub. L. 117–169, §50261(1), substituted "not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter," for "not less than 12½ per centum".

Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 117–169, §50261(2), substituted "not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter," for "no less than 12½ per centum".

Subsec. (a)(1)(H). Pub. L. 117–169, §50261(3), substituted "not less than 162/3 percent, but not more than 18¾ percent, during the 10-year period beginning on August 16, 2022, and not less than 162/3 percent thereafter," for "no less than 12 and ½ per centum".

2021—Subsec. (p)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–58, §40343, inserted "storage," before "or transmission".

Subsec. (p)(1)(E). Pub. L. 117–58, §40307(b), added subpar. (E).

2005—Pub. L. 109–58, §388(c), substituted "Leases, easements, and rights-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf" for "Grant of leases by Secretary" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–58, §346, inserted "and in the Planning Areas offshore Alaska" after "West longitude" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 109–58, §388(a), added subsec. (p).

1999—Subsec. (k)(2)(B). Pub. L. 106–53 substituted "a Federal, State, or local government agency" for "an agency of the Federal Government".

1998—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 105–362 struck out par. (9) which related to report to Congress by Secretary of Energy on bidding options for oil and gas leases on outer Continental Shelf land.

1995—Subsec. (a)(1)(H), (I). Pub. L. 104–58, §303, added subpar. (H) and redesignated former subpar. (H) as (I).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–58, §302, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpars. (B) and (C).

1994—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 103–426 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1987—Subsec. (g)(5)(A). Pub. L. 100–202 substituted "an escrow account established pursuant to an agreement under section 1336 of this title" for "such account" in second sentence, added cl. (i), designated existing indented par. as cl. (ii), substituted "a boundary" for "any boundary", "any additional moneys" for "all moneys", and inserted "or credited to" before "the escrow account".

1986—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–272 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "At the time of soliciting nominations for the leasing of lands within three miles of the seaward boundary of any coastal State, the Secretary shall provide the Governor of such State—

"(A) an identification and schedule of the areas and regions proposed to be offered for leasing;

"(B) all information concerning the geographical, geological, and ecological characteristics of such regions;

"(C) an estimate of the oil and gas reserves in the areas proposed for leasing; and

"(D) an identification of any field, geological structure, or trap located within three miles of the seaward boundary of such coastal State."

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 99–272 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "After receipt of nominations for any area of the outer Continental Shelf within three miles of the seaward boundary of any coastal State, the Secretary shall inform the Governor of such coastal State of any such area which the Secretary believes should be given further consideration for leasing. The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of the coastal State, shall then, determine whether any such area may contain one or more oil or gas pools or fields underlying both the outer Continental Shelf and lands subject to the jurisdiction of such State. If, with respect to such area, the Secretary selects a tract or tracts which may contain one or more oil or gas pools or fields underlying both the outer Continental Shelf and lands subject to the jurisdiction of such State, the Secretary shall offer the Governor of such coastal State the opportunity to enter into an agreement concerning the disposition of revenues which may be generated by a Federal lease within such area in order to permit their fair and equitable division between the State and Federal Government."

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 99–272 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "Within ninety days after the offer by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Governor shall elect whether to enter into such agreement and shall notify the Secretary of his decision. If the Governor accepts the offer, the terms of any lease issued shall be consistent with the provisions of this subchapter, with applicable regulations, and, to the maximum extent practicable, with the applicable laws of the coastal State. If the Governor declines the offer, or if the parties cannot agree to terms concerning the disposition of revenues from such lease (by the time the Secretary determines to offer the area for lease), the Secretary may nevertheless proceed with the leasing of the area."

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 99–272 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary shall deposit in a separate account in the Treasury of the United States all bonuses, royalties, and other revenues attributable to oil and gas pools underlying both the outer Continental Shelf and submerged lands subject to the jurisdiction of any coastal State until such time as the Secretary and the Governor of such coastal State agree on, or if the Secretary and the Governor of such coastal State cannot agree, as a district court of the United States determines, the fair and equitable disposition of such revenues and any interest which has accrued and the proper rate of payments to be deposited in the treasuries of the Federal Government and such coastal State."

Subsec. (g)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 99–272 added pars. (5) to (7).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1)(A) and (B), and in par. (1)(A) as so redesignated, struck out provisions which restricted authority of Secretary to grant oil and gas leases to situations involving the urgent need for further exploration and development of oil and gas deposits of the submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf and inserted provisions permitting the promulgation of regulations for the deposit of cash bids in interest-bearing accounts until the Secretary announces his decision on whether to accept the bids with the earned interest paid either to the Treasury or to unsuccessful bidders, in par. (1)(B) as so redesignated, substituted provisions relating to variable royalty bids based on a per centum in amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold, with either a fixed work commitment based on dollar amount covering exploration or a fixed cash bonus as determined by the Secretary or both for provisions relating to straight royalty bids at not less than 12½ per centum with a cash bonus fixed by the Secretary, and added pars. (1)(C) to (H) and pars. (2) to (9).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(a), redesignated cls. (1) to (4) as pars. (1), (2), (3), and (6) respectively, added pars. (4), (5), and (7), and in par. (1) as so redesignated, inserted provisions authorizing the Secretary to lease tracts larger than 5760 acres if a larger area is necessary to comprise a reasonable economic production unit and in par. (2) as so redesignated, inserted provision to allow up to a 10 year initial period if the longer period is necessary to encourage exploration and development in areas because of unusually deep water or other unusually adverse conditions, and in par. (3) as so redesignated, substituted "payment of amount or value as determined by one of the bidding systems set forth in subsection (a) of this section" for "payment of a royalty of not less than 12½ per centum, in the amount or value of the production saved, removed, or sold from the lease".

Subsecs. (c) to (h). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(b), added subsecs. (c) to (h). Former subsecs. (c) to (h) redesignated (i) to (n).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(b), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (o).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(b), redesignated former subsec. (d) as (j). Former subsec. (j), which provided that any person complaining of the cancellation of a lease by the Secretary could have the Secretary's action reviewed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by filing a petition for review, was struck out. See section 1349 of this title.

Subsecs. (k) to (o). Pub. L. 95–372, §205(b), redesignated former subsecs. (e) to (i) as (k) to (o), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Secretary of the Interior required to promulgate regulations to carry out amendment by section 40307(b) of Pub. L. 117–58 not later than 1 year after Nov. 15, 2021, see section 40307(d) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 1331 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–58, title III, §305, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 566, provided that: "The Secretary shall promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the provisions of this title [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] within 180 days after the enactment of this Act [Nov. 28, 1995]."

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 109–58, title III, §388(d), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 747, provided that: "Nothing in the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] requires the resubmittal of any document that was previously submitted or the reauthorization of any action that was previously authorized with respect to a project for which, before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005]—

"(1) an offshore test facility has been constructed; or

"(2) a request for a proposal has been issued by a public authority."

Pub. L. 104–58, title III, §306, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 566, provided that: "Nothing in this title [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] shall be construed to affect any offshore pre-leasing, leasing, or development moratorium, including any moratorium applicable to the Eastern Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico located off the Gulf Coast of Florida."

Abolition of House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries

Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. For treatment of references to Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, see section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress.

Transfer of Functions

Functions vested in, or delegated to, Secretary of Energy and Department of Energy under or with respect to subsec. (a)(4) of this section, transferred to, and vested in, Secretary of the Interior, by section 100 of Pub. L. 97–257, 96 Stat. 841, set out as a note under section 7152 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Functions of Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations under this subchapter which relate to fostering of competition for Federal leases, implementation of alternative bidding systems authorized for award of Federal leases, establishment of diligence requirements for operations conducted on Federal leases, setting of rates for production of Federal leases, and specifying of procedures, terms, and conditions for acquisition and disposition of Federal royalty interests taken in kind, transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 7152(b) of Title 42. Section 7152(b) of Title 42 was repealed by Pub. L. 97–100, title II, §201, Dec. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1407, and functions of Secretary of Energy returned to Secretary of the Interior. See House Report No. 97–315, pp. 25, 26, Nov. 5, 1981.

Wage Rate Requirements

For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of Pub. L. 117–58, including authority of Secretary of Labor, see section 18851 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Clarification

Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title III, §40307(c), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1003, provided that: "A carbon dioxide stream injected for the purpose of carbon sequestration under subparagraph (E) of section 8(p)(1) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)) shall not be considered to be material (as defined in section 3 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1402)) for purposes of that Act (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)."

Coordinated OCS Mapping Initiative

Pub. L. 109–58, title III, §388(b), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 746, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Secretary of Defense, shall establish an interagency comprehensive digital mapping initiative for the outer Continental Shelf to assist in decisionmaking relating to the siting of activities under subsection (p) of section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337) (as added by subsection (a)).

"(2) Use of data.—The mapping initiative shall use, and develop procedures for accessing, data collected before the date on which the mapping initiative is established, to the maximum extent practicable.

"(3) Inclusions.—Mapping carried out under the mapping initiative shall include an indication of the locations on the outer Continental Shelf of—

"(A) Federally-permitted activities;

"(B) obstructions to navigation;

"(C) submerged cultural resources;

"(D) undersea cables;

"(E) offshore aquaculture projects; and

"(F) any area designated for the purpose of safety, national security, environmental protection, or conservation and management of living marine resources."

State Claims to Jurisdiction Over Submerged Lands

Pub. L. 109–58, title III, §388(e), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 747, provided that: "Nothing in this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] shall be construed to alter, limit, or modify any claim of any State to any jurisdiction over, or any right, title, or interest in, any submerged lands."

Reimbursement of Local Interests

Pub. L. 106–53, title II, §215(b)(2), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 293, provided that: "Any amounts paid by non-Federal interests for beach erosion control, hurricane protection, shore protection, or storm damage reduction projects as a result of an assessment under section 8(k) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(k)) shall be fully reimbursed."

Fees for Royalty Rate Relief Applications

Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(c) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–156, 1321–166; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327, provided in part: "That beginning in fiscal year 1996 and thereafter, fees for royalty rate relief applications shall be established (and revised as needed) in Notices to Lessees, and shall be credited to this account in the program areas performing the function, and remain available until expended for the costs of administering the royalty rate relief authorized by 43 U.S.C. 1337(a)(3)".

Lease Sales

Pub. L. 104–58, title III, §304, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 565, provided that: "For all tracts located in water depths of 200 meters or greater in the Western and Central Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico, including that portion of the Eastern Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico encompassing whole lease blocks lying west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude, any lease sale within five years of the date of enactment of this title [Nov. 28, 1995], shall use the bidding system authorized in section 8(a)(1)(H) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended by this title [43 U.S.C. 1337(a)(1)(H)], except that the suspension of royalties shall be set at a volume of not less than the following:

"(1) 17.5 million barrels of oil equivalent for leases in water depths of 200 to 400 meters;

"(2) 52.5 million barrels of oil equivalent for leases in 400 to 800 meters of water; and

"(3) 87.5 million barrels of oil equivalent for leases in water depths greater than 800 meters."

Distribution of Section 1337(g) Account

Pub. L. 99–272, title VIII, §8004, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 150, provided that:

"(a) Prior to April 15, 1986, the Secretary shall distribute to the designated coastal States the sum of—

"(1) the amounts due and payable to each such State under paragraph (2) of section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended by this title [43 U.S.C. 1337(g)(2)], for the period between October 1, 1985, and the date of such distribution, and

"(2) the amounts due each such State under subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section for the period prior to October 1, 1985.

"(b)(1) As a fair and equitable disposition of all revenues (including interest thereon) derived from any lease of Federal lands wholly or partially within 3 miles of the seaward boundary of a coastal State prior to October 1, 1985, the Secretary shall distribute:

"(A) from the funds which were deposited in the separate account in the Treasury of the United States under section 8(g)(4) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(g)(4)) which was in effect prior to the date of enactment of section 8003 of this title [Apr. 7, 1986] the following sums:

 

 ($ million)

Louisiana
572   

Texas
382   

California
338   

Alabama
66   

Alaska
51   

Mississippi
14   

Florida
0.03

as well as 27 percent of the royalties, derived from any lease of Federal lands, which have been deposited through September 30, 1985, in the separate account described in this paragraph and interest thereon accrued through September 30, 1985, and shall transmit any remaining amounts to the miscellaneous receipts account of the Treasury of the United States; and

"(B) from revenues derived from any lease of Federal lands under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.], prior to April 15 of each of the fifteen fiscal years following the fiscal year in which this title is enacted, 3 percent of the following sums in each of the five fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986], 7 percent of such sums in each of the next five fiscal years, and 10 percent of such sums in each of the following five fiscal years:

 

 ($ million)

Louisiana
84  

Texas
134  

California
289  

Alabama
7  

Alaska
134  

Mississippi
2.

"(2) The acceptance of any payment by a State under this section shall satisfy and release any and all claims of such State against the United States arising under, or related to, section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [43 U.S.C. 1337(g)], as it was in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986] and shall vest in such State the right to receive payments as set forth in this section.

"(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the amounts due and payable to the State of Louisiana prior to October 1, 1986, under subtitle A of title VIII (Outer Continental Shelf and Related Programs) of this Act [title VIII does not contain a subtitle A, see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 1301 of this title] shall remain in their separate accounts in the Treasury of the United States and continue to accrue interest until October 1, 1986, except that the $572,000,000 set forth in subsection 8004(b)(1)(A) of this section shall only accrue interest from April 15, 1986 to October 1, 1986, at which time the Secretary shall immediately distribute such sums with accrued interest to the State of Louisiana."

1 So in original. Probably should be "clause".

2 See References in Text note below.
43 U.S.C. § 1620 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 33: ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT / Section 1620: Taxation
Taxation
Status: in_force

(a) Fund revenues exemption; investment income taxable

Revenues originating from the Alaska Native Fund shall not be subject to any form of Federal, State, or local taxation at the time of receipt by a Regional Corporation, Village Corporation, or individual Native through dividend distributions (even if the Regional Corporation or Village Corporation distributing the dividend has not segregated revenue received from the Alaska Native Fund from revenue received from other sources) or in any other manner. This exemption shall not apply to income from the investment of such revenues.

(b) Shares of stock exemption

The receipt of shares of stock in the Regional or Village Corporations by or on behalf of any Native shall not be subject to any form of Federal, State or local taxation.

(c) Land or land interests exemption; basis for sale or other disposition, adjustment; basis for interest in mine, well, other natural deposit, or block of timber, adjustment

The receipt of land or any interest therein pursuant to this chapter or of cash in order to equalize the values of properties exchanged pursuant to section 1621(f) of this title shall not be subject to any form of Federal, State, or local taxation. The basis for determining gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of such land or interest in land for purposes of any Federal, State, or local tax imposed on or measured by income shall be the fair value of such land or interest in land at the time of receipt, adjusted as provided in section 1016 of title 26, as amended: Provided, however, That the basis of any such land or interest therein attributable to an interest in a mine, well, other natural deposit, or block of timber shall be not less than the fair value of such mine, well, natural deposit, or block of timber (or such interest therein as the Secretary shall convey) at the time of the first commercial development thereof, adjusted as provided in section 1016 of title 26. For purposes of this subsection, the time of receipt of land or any interest therein shall be the time of the conveyance by the Secretary of such land or interest (whether by interim conveyance or patent).

(d) Real property interests; exemption period for conveyance of interests not developed or leased or interests used solely for exploration, interests taxable; derivative revenues taxable; exchanges; simultaneous exchanges

(1) Real property interests conveyed, pursuant to this chapter, to a Native individual, Native Group, Village or Regional Corporation or corporation established pursuant to section 1613(h)(3) of this title which are not developed or leased to third parties or which are used solely for the purposes of exploration shall be exempt from State and local real property taxes for a period of twenty years from the vesting of title pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or the date of issuance of an interim conveyance or patent, whichever is earlier, for those interests to such individual, group, or corporation: Provided, That municipal taxes, local real property taxes, or local assessments may be imposed upon any portion of such interest within the jurisdiction of any governmental unit under the laws of the State which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration for so long as such portion is leased or being developed: Provided further, That easements, rights-of-way, leaseholds, and similar interests in such real property may be taxed in accordance with State or local law. All rents, royalties, profits, and other revenues or proceeds derived from such property interests shall be taxable to the same extent as such revenues or proceeds are taxable when received by a non-Native individual or corporation.

(2) Any real property interest, not developed or leased to third parties, acquired by a Native individual, Native Group, Village or Regional Corporation, or corporation established pursuant to section 1613(h)(3) of this title in exchange for real property interests which are exempt from taxation pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be deemed to be a property interest conveyed pursuant to this chapter and shall be exempt from taxation as if conveyed pursuant to this chapter, when such an exchange is made with the Federal Government, the State government, a municipal government, or another Native Corporation, or, if neither party to the exchange receives a cash value greater than 25 per centum of the value of the land exchanged, a private party. In the event that a Native Corporation simultaneously exchanges two or more tracts of land having different periods of tax exemption pursuant to this subsection, the periods of tax exemption for the exchanged lands received by such Native Corporation shall be determined (A) by calculating the percentage that the acreage of each tract given up bears to the total acreage given up, and (B) by applying such percentages and the related periods of tax exemption to the acreage received in exchange.

(e) Public lands status of real property interests exempt from real estate taxes for purposes of Federal highway and education laws; Federal fire protection services for real property interests without cost

Real property interests conveyed pursuant to this chapter to a Native individual, Native group, corporation organized under section 1613(h)(3) of this title, or Village or Regional Corporation shall, so long as the fee therein remains not subject to State or local taxes on real estate, continue to be regarded as public lands for the purpose of computing the Federal share of any highway project pursuant to title 23, as amended and supplemented, for the purpose of the Johnson-O'Malley Act of April 16, 1934, as amended (25 U.S.C. 452),1 and for the purpose of Public Laws 815 and 874, 81st Congress (64 Stat. 967, 1100). So long as there are no substantial revenues from such lands they shall continue to receive wildland fire protection services from the United States at no cost.

(f) Stocks of Regional and Village Corporations exempt from estate taxes; period of exemption

Until January 1, 1992, stock of any Regional Corporation organized pursuant to section 1606 of this title, including the right to receive distributions under subsection 1606(j) of this title, and stock of any Village Corporation organized pursuant to section 1607 of this title shall not be includable in the gross estate of a decedent under sections 2031 and 2033, or any successor provisions, of title 26.

(g) Resource information or analysis; professional or technical services

In the case of any Native Corporation established pursuant to this chapter, income for purposes of any form of Federal, State, or local taxation shall not be deemed to include the value of—

(1) the receipt, acquisition, or use of any resource information or analysis (including the receipt of any right of access to such information or analysis) relating to lands or interests therein conveyed, selected but not conveyed, or available for selection pursuant to this chapter;

(2) the promise or performance by any person or by any Federal, State, or local government agency of any professional or technical services relating to the resources of lands or interests therein conveyed, selected but not conveyed, or available for selection pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, services in connection with exploration on such lands for oil, gas, or other minerals; and

(3) the expenditure of funds, incurring of costs, or the use of any equipment or supplies by any person or any Federal, State, or local government agency, or any promise, agreement, or other arrangement by such person or agency to expend funds or use any equipment or supplies for the purpose of creating, developing, or acquiring the resource information or analysis described in paragraph (1) or for the purpose of performing or otherwise furnishing the services described in paragraph (2): Provided, That this paragraph shall not apply to any funds paid to a Native Corporation established pursuant to this chapter or to any subsidiary thereof.

This subsection shall be effective as of December 18, 1971, and, with respect to each Native Corporation, shall remain in full force and effect for a period of twenty years thereafter or until the Corporation has received conveyance of its full land entitlement, whichever first occurs. Except as set forth in this subsection and in subsection (d) hereof, all rents, royalties, profits, and other revenues or proceeds derived from real property interests selected and conveyed pursuant to sections 1611 and 1613 of this title shall be taxable to the same extent as such revenues or proceeds are taxable when received by a non-Native individual or corporation.

(h) Date of incorporation as date of trade or business; ordinary and necessary expenses

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each Native Corporation established pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to have become engaged in carrying on a trade or business as of the date it was incorporated for purposes of any form of Federal, State, or local taxation.

(2) All expenses heretofore or hereafter paid or incurred by a Native Corporation established pursuant to this chapter in connection with the selection or conveyance of lands pursuant to this chapter, or in assisting another Native Corporation within or for the same region in the selection or conveyance of lands under this chapter, shall be deemed to be or to have been ordinary and necessary expenses of such Corporation, paid or incurred in carrying on a trade or business for purposes of any form of Federal, State, or local taxation.

(i) Personal Holding Company Act exemption

No Corporation created pursuant to this chapter shall be considered to be a personal holding company within the meaning of section 542(a) of title 26 prior to January 1, 1992.

(j) Shareholder homesites

A real property interest distributed by a Native Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation pursuant to a program to provide homesites to its shareholders, shall be deemed conveyed and received pursuant to this chapter: Provided, That alienability of the Settlement Common Stock of the Corporation has not been terminated pursuant to section 1629c of this title: Provided further, That the land received is restricted by covenant for a period not less than ten years to single-family (including traditional extended family customs) residential occupancy, and by such other covenants and retained interests as the Native Corporation deems appropriate: Provided further, That the land conveyed does not exceed one and one-half acres: Provided further, That if the shareholder receiving the homesite subdivides such homesite, he or she shall pay all Federal, State, and local taxes that would have been incurred but for this subsection together with simple interest at 6 per centum per annum calculated from the date of receipt of the homesite, including taxes or assessments for the provision of road access and water and sewage facilities by the conveying corporation or the shareholder.

(Pub. L. 92–203, §21, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 713; Pub. L. 94–204, §13, Jan. 2, 1976, 89 Stat. 1154; Pub. L. 95–600, title V, §541, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2887; Pub. L. 96–487, title IX, §904, title XIV, §§1407–1409, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2434, 2495, 2496; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–241, §12(b), Feb. 3, 1988, 101 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 102–415, §5, Oct. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 2113.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 16, Conservation, and Tables.

The Johnson-O'Malley Act of April 16, 1934, as amended (25 U.S.C. 452), referred to in subsec. (e), is act Apr. 16, 1934, ch. 147, 48 Stat. 596, which was classified to section 452 et seq. of Title 25, Indians, prior to editorial reclassification as section 5342 et seq. of Title 25. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5301 of Title 25 and Tables.

Public Law 815, 81st Congress (64 Stat. 967), referred to in subsec. (e), is act Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 995, as amended generally by Pub. L. 85–620, title I, §101, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 548, which was classified generally to chapter 19 (§631 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §331(a), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3965. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Public Law 874, 81st Congress (64 Stat. 1100), referred to in subsec. (e), is act Sept. 30, 1950, ch. 1124, 64 Stat. 1100, popularly known as the Educational Agencies Financial Aid Act, which was classified generally to chapter 13 (§236 et seq.) of Title 20, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §331(b), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3965. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–415 struck out "prior to December 18, 1991," after "A real property interest distributed" and substituted "Provided, That alienability of the Settlement Common Stock of the Corporation has not been terminated pursuant to section 1629c of this title: Provided further, That" for "Provided, That".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–241, §12(b)(1), inserted "(even if the Regional Corporation or Village Corporation distributing the dividend has not segregated revenue received from the Alaska Native Fund from revenue received from other sources)" after "distributions".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–241, §12(b)(2), (3), substituted "Native Corporation" for "Village Corporation" in two places and "That if the shareholder receiving the homesite subdivides such homesite, he or she shall pay all Federal, State, and local taxes that would have been incurred but for this subsection together with simple interest at 6 per centum per annum calculated from the date of receipt of the homesite, including taxes or assessments for the provision of road access and water and sewage facilities by the conveying corporation or the shareholder." for "That the shareholder receiving the homesite, if the shareholder subdivides the land received, shall pay all Federal, State, and local taxes which would have been incurred but for this subsection, together with simple interest at six percent per annum calculated from the date of receipt of the land to be paid to the appropriate taxing authority."

1986—Subsecs. (c), (i). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

1980—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–487, §1408, inserted provision requiring that fair value of such land or interest in land at time of receipt be adjusted as provided in section 1016 of title 26 and proviso defining the basis of any such land attributable to an interest in a mine, well, other natural deposit, or block of timber.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–487, §904, designated existing provision as par. (1), substituted "Regional Corporation or corporation established pursuant to section 1613(h)(3) of this title" for "Regional Corporation", "third parties or which are used solely for the purposes of exploration shall" for "third parties shall", "from the vesting of title pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or the date of issuance of an interim conveyance or patent, whichever is earlier, for those interests to such individual, group, or corporation" for "after December 18, 1971", and "any portion of such interest" for "leased or developed real property" and inserted "which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration for so long as such portion is leased or being developed" after "laws of the State", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–487, §1409, substituted "Native Group, corporation organized under section 1613(h)(3) of this title, or Village" for "Native Group, or Village", "(64 Stat. 967, 1100). So long as there are no substantial" for "(64 Stat. 967, 1100), and so long as there are also no substantial", and "such lands they shall continue to receive wildland fire" for "such lands, continue to receive forest fire".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 96–487, §1407, added subsec. (j).

1978—Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 95–600 added subsecs. (g) to (i).

1976—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–204 added subsec. (f).

1 See References in Text note below.
43 U.S.C. § 422l (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 12: RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / Subchapter IV: CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL PROJECTS / Section 422l: Application of this subchapter to Hawaii
Application of this subchapter to Hawaii
Status: in_force

This subchapter as heretofore and hereafter amended, shall apply to the State of Hawaii.

(Pub. L. 86–624, §31, July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 421.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as a part of the Hawaii Omnibus Act, and not as a part of the Small Reclamation Projects Act of 1956 which comprises this subchapter.
43 U.S.C. § 1721 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: LAND USE PLANNING AND LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION / Section 1721: Conveyances of public lands to States, local governments, etc.
Conveyances of public lands to States, local governments, etc.
Status: in_force

(a) Unsurveyed islands; authorization and limitations on authority

The Secretary is authorized to convey to States or their political subdivisions under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (44 Stat. 741 as amended; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), as amended, but without regard to the acreage limitations contained therein, unsurveyed islands determined by the Secretary to be public lands of the United States. The conveyance of any such island may be made without survey: Provided, however, That such island may be surveyed at the request of the applicant State or its political subdivision if such State or subdivision donates money or services to the Secretary for such survey, the Secretary accepts such money or services, and such services are conducted pursuant to criteria established by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Any such island so surveyed shall not be conveyed without approval of such survey by the Secretary prior to the conveyance.

(b) Omitted lands; authorization and limitations on authority

(1) The Secretary is authorized to convey to States and their political subdivisions under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act [43 U.S.C. 869 to 869–4], but without regard to the acreage limitations contained therein, lands other than islands determined by him after survey to be public lands of the United States erroneously or fraudulently omitted from the original surveys (hereinafter referred to as "omitted lands"). Any such conveyance shall not be made without a survey: Provided, That the prospective recipient may donate money or services to the Secretary for the surveying necessary prior to conveyance if the Secretary accepts such money or services, such services are conducted pursuant to criteria established by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and such survey is approved by the Secretary prior to the conveyance.

(2) The Secretary is authorized to convey to the occupant of any omitted lands which, after survey, are found to have been occupied and developed for a five-year period prior to January 1, 1975, if the Secretary determines that such conveyance is in the public interest and will serve objectives which outweigh all public objectives and values which would be served by retaining such lands in Federal ownership. Conveyance under this subparagraph shall be made at not less than the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, and upon payment in addition of administrative costs, including the cost of making the survey, the cost of appraisal, and the cost of making the conveyance.

(c) Conformity with land use plans and programs and coordination with State and local governments of conveyances

(1) No conveyance shall be made pursuant to this section until the relevant State government, local government, and areawide planning agency designated pursuant to section 204 of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 1255, 1262) [42 U.S.C. 3334] and/or section 6506 of title 31 have notified the Secretary as to the consistency of such conveyance with applicable State and local government land use plans and programs.

(2) The provisions of section 1720 of this title shall be applicable to all conveyances under this section.

(d) Applicability of other statutory requirements for authorized use of conveyed lands

The final sentence of section 1(c) of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act [43 U.S.C. 869(c)] shall not be applicable to conveyances under this section.

(e) Limitations on uses of conveyed lands

No conveyance pursuant to this section shall be used as the basis for determining the baseline between Federal and State ownership, the boundary of any State for purposes of determining the extent of a State's submerged lands or the line of demarcation of Federal jurisdiction, or any similar or related purpose.

(f) Applicability to lands within National Forest System, National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any lands within the National Forest System, defined in the Act of August 17, 1974 (88 Stat. 476; 16 U.S.C. 1601), the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

(g) Applicability to other statutory provisions authorizing sale of specific omitted lands

Nothing in this section shall supersede the provisions of the Act of December 22, 1928 (45 Stat. 1069; 43 U.S.C. 1068), as amended, and the Act of May 31, 1962 (76 Stat. 89), or any other Act authorizing the sale of specific omitted lands.

(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §211, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2758.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Recreation and Public Purposes Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(1), is act June 14, 1926, ch. 578, 44 Stat. 741, which is classified to sections 869 to 869–4 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 869 of this title and Tables.

Act of August 17, 1974 (88 Stat. 476; 16 U.S.C. 1601), referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 93–378, Aug. 17, 1974, 88 Stat. 476, known as the Forest and Rangelands Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§1600 et seq.) chapter 36 of Title 16, Conservation. The provisions of such Act defining the lands within the National Forest System are set out in section 1609 of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1600 of Title 16 and Tables.

Act of December 22, 1928 (45 Stat. 1069; 43 U.S.C. 1068), as amended, referred to in subsec. (g), is act Dec. 22, 1928, ch. 47, 45 Stat. 1069, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 25A (§1068 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Act of May 31, 1962, referred to in subsec. (g), is Pub. L. 87–469, May 31, 1962, 76 Stat. 89, which is not classified to the Code.

Codification

In subsec. (c)(1), "section 6506 of title 31" substituted for "title IV of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 1098, 1103–4) [42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.]" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.
43 U.S.C. § 1458 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 31: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Section 1458: Secretary to exercise certain powers over Territories
Secretary to exercise certain powers over Territories
Status: in_force

The Secretary of the Interior shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties in relation to the Territories of the United States that were, prior to March 1, 1873, by law or by custom exercised and performed by the Secretary of State.

(R.S. §442.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §442 derived from act Mar. 1, 1873, ch. 217, 17 Stat. 484.

Section was formerly classified to section 486 of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out under section 1451 of this title.

Ex. Ord. No. 10967. Administration of Palmyra Island

Ex. Ord. No. 10967, eff. Oct. 10, 1961, 26 F.R. 9667, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 48 of the Hawaii Omnibus Act (approved July 12, 1960; 74 Stat. 424; P.L. 86–624) [set out as a note preceding section 491 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions] and section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, and as President of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Secretary of the Interior shall be responsible for the civil administration of Palmyra Island and all executive and legislative authority necessary for that administration, and all judicial authority respecting Palmyra Island other than the authority contained in the Act of June 15, 1950 (64 Stat. 217), as amended (48 U.S.C. 644a), shall be vested in the Secretary of the Interior.

Sec. 2. The executive, legislative, and judicial authority provided for in section 1 of this order (1) may be exercised through such agency or agencies of the Department of the Interior, or through such officers or employees under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, as the Secretary may direct or authorize, (2) may be exercised through such agency or agencies, other than or not in the Department of the Interior, or through such officers or employees of the United States not under the administrative supervision of the Secretary, for such time and under such conditions as may be agreed upon between the Secretary and such agency, agencies, officers or employees of the United States, and (3) shall be exercised in such manner as the Secretary, or any person or persons acting under the authority of the Secretary, may direct or authorize.

Sec. 3. The Secretary of the Interior may confer upon the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii such jurisdiction, in addition to that contained in the Act of June 15, 1950 [48 U.S.C. 644a], and such judicial functions and duties, as he may deem appropriate for the civil administration of Palmyra Island.

Sec. 4. The foregoing provisions of this order shall continue in force until the Congress shall provide for the civil administration of Palmyra Island or until such earlier time as the President may specify.

Sec. 5. As used herein, the term "Palmyra Island" means the place of that name, consisting of a group of islets located in the Pacific Ocean approximately at Latitude 5°52″ North and Longitude 162°06″ West, and includes the territorial waters of that place and includes also the reefs surrounding that place or any part thereof.

Sec. 6. To the extent that any prior Executive order or proclamation is inconsistent with the provisions of this order, this order shall control.

Sec. 7. Nothing in this order shall be deemed to reduce, limit, or otherwise modify the authority or responsibility of the Attorney General to represent the legal interests of the United States in civil or criminal cases arising under the provisions of the Act of June 15, 1950 [48 U.S.C. 644a], or under the provisions of section 3 of this order.

John F. Kennedy.
43 U.S.C. § 2901 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 47: RECLAMATION TITLE TRANSFER / Section 2901: Purpose
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to facilitate the transfer of title to Reclamation project facilities to qualifying entities on the completion of repayment of capital costs.

(Pub. L. 116–9, title VIII, §8001, Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 804.)
43 U.S.C. § 1751 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT / Subchapter IV: RANGE MANAGEMENT / Section 1751: Grazing fees; feasibility study; contents; submission of report; annual distribution and use of range betterment funds; nature of distributions
Grazing fees; feasibility study; contents; submission of report; annual distribution and use of range betterment funds; nature of distributions
Status: in_force

(a) The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly cause to be conducted a study to determine the value of grazing on the lands under their jurisdiction in the eleven Western States with a view to establishing a fee to be charged for domestic livestock grazing on such lands which is equitable to the United States and to the holders of grazing permits and leases on such lands. In making such study, the Secretaries shall take into consideration the costs of production normally associated with domestic livestock grazing in the eleven Western States, differences in forage values, and such other factors as may relate to the reasonableness of such fees. The Secretaries shall report the result of such study to the Congress not later than one year from and after October 21, 1976, together with recommendations to implement a reasonable grazing fee schedule based upon such study. If the report required herein has not been submitted to the Congress within one year after October 21, 1976, the grazing fee charge then in effect shall not be altered and shall remain the same until such report has been submitted to the Congress. Neither Secretary shall increase the grazing fee in the 1977 grazing year.

(b)(1) Congress finds that a substantial amount of the Federal range lands is deteriorating in quality, and that installation of additional range improvements could arrest much of the continuing deterioration and could lead to substantial betterment of forage conditions with resulting benefits to wildlife, watershed protection, and livestock production. Congress therefore directs that 50 per centum or $10,000,000 per annum, whichever is greater of all moneys received by the United States as fees for grazing domestic livestock on public lands (other than from ceded Indian lands) under the Taylor Grazing Act (48 Stat. 1269; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.) and the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181d),1 and on lands in National Forests in the sixteen contiguous Western States under the provisions of this section shall be credited to a separate account in the Treasury, one-half of which is authorized to be appropriated and made available for use in the district, region, or national forest from which such moneys were derived, as the respective Secretary may direct after consultation with district, regional, or national forest user representatives, for the purpose of on-the-ground range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements on such lands, and the remaining one-half shall be used for on-the-ground range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements as the Secretary concerned directs. Any funds so appropriated shall be in addition to any other appropriations made to the respective Secretary for planning and administration of the range betterment program and for other range management. Such rehabilitation, protection, and improvements shall include all forms of range land betterment including, but not limited to, seeding and reseeding, fence construction, weed control, water development, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement as the respective Secretary may direct after consultation with user representatives. The annual distribution and use of range betterment funds authorized by this paragraph shall not be considered a major Federal action requiring a detailed statement pursuant to section 4332(c) 2 of title 42.

(2) All distributions of moneys made under subsection (b)(1) shall be in addition to distributions made under section 10 of the Taylor Grazing Act [43 U.S.C. 315i] and shall not apply to distribution of moneys made under section 11 of that Act [43 U.S.C. 315j]. The remaining moneys received by the United States as fees for grazing domestic livestock on the public lands shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

(Pub. L. 94–579, title IV, §401(a), (b)(1), (2), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2772; Pub. L. 95–514, §6(b), Oct. 25, 1978, 92 Stat. 1806.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Taylor Grazing Act (48 Stat. 1269; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.), referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 28, 1934, ch. 865, 48 Stat. 1269, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§315 et seq.) of chapter 8A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 315 of this title and Tables.

Act of August 28, 1937, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), probably means section 4 of act Aug. 28, 1937, ch. 876, title I, 50 Stat. 875, which was formerly classified to section 1181d of this title prior to editorial reclassification as section 2603 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Subsec. (b)(2) of this section is comprised of second and third sentences of section 401(b)(2) of Pub. L. 94–579. The first sentence of such section 401(b)(2) amended section 315i(b) of this title.

Amendments

1978—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–514 inserted "or $10,000,000 per annum, whichever is greater" after "50 per centum" and substituted "sixteen contiguous Western States" for "eleven contiguous Western States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Credit on Grazing Fee for Approved Conservation Practices

Pub. L. 118–42, div. E, title III, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 265, provided in part: "That notwithstanding section 33 of the Bankhead[-]Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1012), the Secretary of Agriculture, in calculating a fee for grazing on a National Grassland, may provide a credit of up to 50 percent of the calculated fee to a Grazing Association or direct permittee for a conservation practice approved by the Secretary in advance of the fiscal year in which the cost of the conservation practice is incurred, and that the amount credited shall remain available to the Grazing Association or the direct permittee, as appropriate, in the fiscal year in which the credit is made and each fiscal year thereafter for use on the project for conservation practices approved by the Secretary".

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 117–328, div. G, title III, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4802.

Pub. L. 117–103, div. G, title III, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 391.

Pub. L. 116–260, div. G, title III, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1518.

Pub. L. 116–94, div. D, title III, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2725.

Pub. L. 116–6, div. E, title III, Feb. 15, 2019, 133 Stat. 242.

Pub. L. 115–141, div. G, title III, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 671.

Pub. L. 115–31, div. G, title III, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 477.

Moratorium on Increase of Grazing Fee for 1978 Grazing Year

Pub. L. 95–321, July 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 394, in order to allow the Congress sufficient time to analyze the report and recommendations of the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture under subsec. (a) of this section and to take appropriate action, provided that the 1978 grazing year fee was not to be raised by the Secretary of the Interior for the grazing of livestock on public lands nor by the Secretary of Agriculture for such grazing on lands under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably means "4332(2)(C)".
43 U.S.C. § 593b (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 12: RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / Subchapter XVII: LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO PARTICULAR PROJECTS GENERALLY / Section 593b: Construction of additional works for irrigation purposes
Construction of additional works for irrigation purposes
Status: in_force

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain under the provisions of the Federal reclamation laws (Act June 17, 1902, 32 Stat. 388, and Acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto), such additional works as he may deem necessary for irrigation purposes. Such irrigation works may be undertaken only after a report and findings thereon have been made by the Secretary of the Interior as provided in such Federal reclamation laws; and, within the limits of the water users' repayment ability, such report may be predicated on allocation to irrigation of an appropriate portion of the cost of constructing said dam and reservoir. Said dam and reservoir and said irrigation works may be utilized for irrigation purposes only pursuant to the provisions of said Federal reclamation laws.

(June 5, 1944, ch. 234, §3, 58 Stat. 271.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of June 17, 1902, referred to in text, is popularly known as the Reclamation Act, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 371 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Authorization of Appropriations

Act June 5, 1944, ch. 234, §4, 58 Stat. 271, authorized appropriation of such sums as might be necessary to carry out the purpose of this section and section 593a of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 1654 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 34: TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE / Section 1654: Antitrust laws
Antitrust laws
Status: in_force

The grant of a right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this chapter shall grant no immunity from the operation of the Federal anti-trust laws.

(Pub. L. 93–153, title II, §205, Nov. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 588.)
43 U.S.C. § 592 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 12: RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / Subchapter XVII: LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO PARTICULAR PROJECTS GENERALLY / Section 592: Omitted
Omitted
Status: omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act Feb. 28, 1919, ch. 78, 40 Stat. 1210, granted leave of absence to any entryman who, prior to Feb. 28, 1919, made entry upon land withdrawn under reclamation law, until water became available for irrigation.
43 U.S.C. § 79c (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 4: DISTRICT LAND OFFICES / Section 79c: Payment of fees, commissions, etc.; deposit in Treasury
Payment of fees, commissions, etc.; deposit in Treasury
Status: in_force

No provision of this Act shall relieve any public land applicant or claimant from the necessity of making payment of fees, commissions, or other moneys required by law or regulation. Commencing sixty days after April 24, 1944, the officials of district land offices shall not receive any compensation based on fees, commissions, or other receipts and all amounts collected by them shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States.

(Apr. 24, 1944, ch. 177, §3, 58 Stat. 215; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Apr. 24, 1944, ch. 177, 58 Stat. 215, which enacted sections 79a to 79c of this title, repealed sections 80 and 80a of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under this section. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeals

Act Apr. 24, 1944, ch. 177, §4, 58 Stat. 215, provided that: "Sections 2237 and 2240 of the Revised Statutes and the act of May 21, 1928 (45 Stat. 684; 43 U.S.C., sec. 80), as amended [sections 80 and 80a of this title], are hereby repealed, and all other provisions of law inconsistent with this Act [See References in Text note above] are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency."

Extension to Alaska

Act Apr. 24, 1944, ch. 177, §5, 58 Stat. 215, provided that the provisions of such Act [see References in Text note above] would not extend to the territory of Alaska.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out under section 1451 of this title.

Words "officials of district land offices" substituted for "registers" on authority of section 403 of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946. See note set out under section 1 of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 1311 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 29: SUBMERGED LANDS / Subchapter II: LANDS BENEATH NAVIGABLE WATERS WITHIN STATE BOUNDARIES / Section 1311: Rights of States
Rights of States
Status: in_force

(a) Confirmation and establishment of title and ownership of lands and resources; management, administration, leasing, development, and use

It is determined and declared to be in the public interest that (1) title to and ownership of the lands beneath navigable waters within the boundaries of the respective States, and the natural resources within such lands and waters, and (2) the right and power to manage, administer, lease, develop, and use the said lands and natural resources all in accordance with applicable State law be, and they are, subject to the provisions hereof, recognized, confirmed, established, and vested in and assigned to the respective States or the persons who were on June 5, 1950, entitled thereto under the law of the respective States in which the land is located, and the respective grantees, lessees, or successors in interest thereof;

(b) Release and relinquishment of title and claims of United States; payment to States of moneys paid under leases

(1) The United States releases and relinquishes unto said States and persons aforesaid, except as otherwise reserved herein, all right, title, and interest of the United States, if any it has, in and to all said lands, improvements, and natural resources; (2) the United States releases and relinquishes all claims of the United States, if any it has, for money or damages arising out of any operations of said States or persons pursuant to State authority upon or within said lands and navigable waters; and (3) the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy or the Treasurer of the United States shall pay to the respective States or their grantees issuing leases covering such lands or natural resources all moneys paid thereunder to the Secretary of the Interior or to the Secretary of the Navy or to the Treasurer of the United States and subject to the control of any of them or to the control of the United States on May 22, 1953, except that portion of such moneys which (1) is required to be returned to a lessee; or (2) is deductible as provided by stipulation or agreement between the United States and any of said States;

(c) Leases in effect on June 5, 1950

The rights, powers, and titles hereby recognized, confirmed, established, and vested in and assigned to the respective States and their grantees are subject to each lease executed by a State, or its grantee, which was in force and effect on June 5, 1950, in accordance with its terms and provisions and the laws of the State issuing, or whose grantee issued, such lease, and such rights, powers, and titles are further subject to the rights herein now granted to any person holding any such lease to continue to maintain the lease, and to conduct operations thereunder, in accordance with its provisions, for the full term thereof, and any extensions, renewals, or replacements authorized therein, or heretofore authorized by the laws of the State issuing, or whose grantee issued such lease: Provided, however, That, if oil or gas was not being produced from such lease on and before December 11, 1950, or if the primary term of such lease has expired since December 11, 1950, then for a term from May 22, 1953 equal to the term remaining unexpired on December 11, 1950, under the provisions of such lease or any extensions, renewals, or replacements authorized therein, or heretofore authorized by the laws of the State issuing, or whose grantee issued, such lease: Provided, however, That within ninety days from May 22, 1953 (i) the lessee shall pay to the State or its grantee issuing such lease all rents, royalties, and other sums payable between June 5, 1950, and May 22, 1953, under such lease and the laws of the State issuing or whose grantee issued such lease, except such rents, royalties, and other sums as have been paid to the State, its grantee, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy or the Treasurer of the United States and not refunded to the lessee; and (ii) the lessee shall file with the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy and with the State issuing or whose grantee issued such lease, instruments consenting to the payment by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy or the Treasurer of the United States to the State or its grantee issuing the lease, of all rents, royalties, and other payments under the control of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy or the Treasurer of the United States or the United States which have been paid, under the lease, except such rentals, royalties, and other payments as have also been paid by the lessee to the State or its grantee;

(d) Authority and rights of United States respecting navigation, flood control and production of power

Nothing in this subchapter or subchapter I shall affect the use, development, improvement, or control by or under the constitutional authority of the United States of said lands and waters for the purposes of navigation or flood control or the production of power, or be construed as the release or relinquishment of any rights of the United States arising under the constitutional authority of Congress to regulate or improve navigation, or to provide for flood control, or the production of power;

(e) Ground and surface waters west of 98th meridian

Nothing in this subchapter or subchapter I shall be construed as affecting or intended to affect or in any way interfere with or modify the laws of the States which lie wholly or in part westward of the ninety-eighth meridian, relating to the ownership and control of ground and surface waters; and the control, appropriation, use, and distribution of such waters shall continue to be in accordance with the laws of such States.

(May 22, 1953, ch. 65, title II, §3, 67 Stat. 30.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Separability

Provisions of this section as separable, see section 11 of act May 22, 1953, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 291 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 7: HOMESTEADS / Subchapter X: STOCK-RAISING HOMESTEAD / Section 291: Repealed. Pub. L. 94-579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787
Repealed. Pub. L. 94-579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787
Status: repealed

Section 291, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §1, 39 Stat. 862; Feb. 28, 1931, ch. 328, 46 Stat. 1454; June 9, 1933, ch. 53, 48 Stat. 119, related to entry on unappropriated, unreserved lands, and lands excepted from entry.

Section 292, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §2, 39 Stat. 862; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; June 6, 1924, ch. 274, 43 Stat. 469; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to designation of lands subject to entry, and application thereof.

Section 293, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §3, 39 Stat. 863; Oct. 25, 1918, ch. 195, 40 Stat. 1016, related to persons entitled to make entries and effect of entries.

Section 294, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §4, 39 Stat. 863; Sept. 29, 1919, ch. 63, 41 Stat. 287, related to additional entries and amount of entry.

Section 295, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §5, 39 Stat. 863; Sept. 29, 1919, ch. 63, 41 Stat. 287, related to persons entitled to make additional entries.

Section 296, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §6, 39 Stat. 863, related to heads of families, etc., and relinquishment or reconveyance of land.

Section 297, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §7, 39 Stat. 864, related to applicability of commutation provisions to entries.

Section 298, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §8, 39 Stat. 864, set forth provisions relating to additional entries and preferential rights.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787, provided that the repeal made by section 702 is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976, except such effective date to be on and after tenth anniversary of date of approval of this Act, Oct. 21, 1976, insofar as homestead laws apply to public lands in Alaska.

Savings Provision

Repeal by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 987 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 23: GRANTS OF SWAMP AND OVERFLOWED LANDS / Section 987: Lands to be certified to State within one year
Lands to be certified to State within one year
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, to certify over to the State of California as swamp and overflowed lands, all the lands represented as such upon the approved township surveys and plats, whether made before or after the 23d day of July 1866, under the authority of the United States.

The Supervisor of Surveys shall under the direction of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, examine the segregation maps and surveys of the swamp and overflowed lands, made by said State; and where he shall find them to conform to the system of surveys adopted by the United States, he shall construct and approve township plats accordingly, and forward to the General Land Office for approval.

In segregating large bodies of land, notoriously and obviously swamp and overflowed, it shall not be necessary to subdivide the same, but to run the exterior lines of such body of land.

In case such State surveys are found not to be in accordance with the system of United States surveys, and in such other townships as no survey has been made by the United States, the commissioner shall direct the Supervisor of Surveys to make segregation surveys, upon application by the governor of said State, within one year of such application, of all the swamp and overflowed land in such townships, and to report the same to the General Land Office, representing and describing what land was swamp and overflowed, under the grant, according to the best evidence he can obtain.

If the authorities of said State, shall claim as swamp and overflowed, any land not represented as such upon the map or in the returns of the surveyors, the character of such land at the date of the grant September 28, 1850, and the right to the same shall be determined by testimony, to be taken before the Supervisor of Surveys, who shall decide the same, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of the General Land Office.

(R.S. §2488; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2488 derived from act July 23, 1866, ch. 219, §4, 14 Stat. 219.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Abolition of Office of Surveyor General and Transfer of Functions

Act Mar. 3, 1925, abolished office of surveyor general and transferred administration of all activities in charge of surveyors general to Field Surveying Service under jurisdiction of United States Supervisor of Surveys.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out under section 1451 of this title.

Offices of Commissioner of General Land Office and Supervisor of Surveys, and General Land Office abolished by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100. Functions of Commissioner and Supervisor transferred to Secretary of the Interior or those officers as he may designate, and functions of General Land Office transferred by Bureau of Land Management, by that plan. See section 403 of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
43 U.S.C. § 547 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 12: RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / Subchapter XIV: PATENTS AND FINAL WATER-RIGHT CERTIFICATES / Section 547: Patent to desert-land entryman
Patent to desert-land entryman
Status: in_force

Any desert-land entryman whose desert-land entry has been embraced within the exterior limits of any land withdrawal or irrigation project under the Act of June 17, 1902, known as the reclamation Act, and who may have obtained a water supply for the land embraced in any such desert-land entry from the reclamation project by the purchase of a water-right certificate, may at any time after having complied with the provisions of the law applicable to such lands and upon proof of the cultivation and reclamation of the land to the extent required by the reclamation Act for homestead entrymen, submit proof of such compliance, which proof, if found regular and satisfactory, shall entitle the entryman to a patent and a final water-right certificate under the same terms and conditions as required of homestead entrymen under the Act entitled "An Act providing for patents on reclamation entries, and for other purposes, approved August ninth, nineteen hundred and twelve [43 U.S.C. 541 et seq.]." 1

(Aug. 26, 1912, ch. 408, §1, 37 Stat. 610.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of June 17, 1902, known as the reclamation Act, referred to in text, is act June 17, 1902, ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 371 of this title and Tables.

The Act entitled "An Act providing for patents on reclamation entries, and for other purposes", referred to in text, is act Aug. 9, 1912, ch. 278, 37 Stat. 265, which is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

This section was not enacted as part of act Aug. 9, 1912, ch. 278, 37 Stat. 265, which comprises this subchapter.

1 So in original. The closing quotation marks probably should follow "purposes".
43 U.S.C. § 2221 (2024) — Title 43: PUBLIC LANDS / Chapter 40: RECLAMATION STATES EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF / Subchapter II: DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANNING / Section 2221: Identification of opportunities for water supply conservation, augmentation and use
Identification of opportunities for water supply conservation, augmentation and use
Status: in_force

The Secretary is authorized to conduct studies to identify opportunities to conserve, augment, and make more efficient use of water supplies available to Federal Reclamation projects and Indian water resource developments in order to be prepared for and better respond to drought conditions. The Secretary is authorized to provide technical assistance to States and to local and tribal government entities to assist in the development, construction, and operation of water desalinization projects, including technical assistance for purposes of assessing the technical and economic feasibility of such projects.

(Pub. L. 102–250, title II, §201, Mar. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 56.)