Bill allowing Internet-based OCS lease sales receives committee approval
Offshore staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The US House Committee on Natural Resources has unanimously approved HR 5577, the Innovation in Offshore Leasing Act, and favorably reported it to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
HR 5577 was introduced on June 24 by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA). The bill looks to modernize the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’soffshore leasing process. It will amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to provide the Secretary of the Interior with the authority and direction to conduct internet-based oil and natural gas lease sales.
Graves offered an amendment to HR 5577 covering three changes which was adopted by unanimous consent. As amended, the bill was one of eight approved by the committee today.
NOIA President Randall Luthi spoke in favor of the bill at its legislative hearing on July 6 and today offered the committee a congratulatory statement upon news of its committee passing.
“NOIA commends Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and the members of the House Natural Resources Committee for passing the Innovation in Offshore Leasing Act out of committee,” Luthi said. “Sponsored by Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA) and Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), HR 5577 is a common-sense way to update the offshore lease sale process. Incorporating internet-based technologies are cost-effective improvements that can increase transparency and efficiency in the offshore lease sale process.
“NOIA looks forward to working with the House of Representatives in seeing this bill passed.”
07/13/2016
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