S. 3731 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3731 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 2, 2022Mr. Cotton introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To restart oil and gas leasing and permitting on Federal land, and for other purposes. 1. Prohibition on moratoria of new oil and gas leases on certain Federal land (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Federal land (A) In general The term Federal land means— (i) National Forest System land; (ii) public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)); and (iii) the outer Continental Shelf (as defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331)). (B) Inclusion The term Federal land includes any interest in land described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A) that is owned by the United States. (C) Exclusion The term Federal land does not include— (i) a unit of the National Park System; or (ii) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System (other than a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System for which oil and gas drilling is allowed under law). (2) President The term President means the President or any designee. (b) Prohibition Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President— (1) shall immediately and without delay hold Federal onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales; and (2) shall not carry out any action that would prohibit or delay the issuance of oil or gas leases, permits, approvals, or authorizations on Federal land, unless such an action has been authorized by an Act of Congress. 2. Rescission of certain energy policies relating to oil and natural gas development Section 208 of Executive Order 14008 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to tackling the climate crisis at home and abroad) is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.