# American Energy Security and Transparency Act

This bill requires the federal government to immediately restart oil and gas leasing on public lands and to maintain a steady schedule of lease sales going forward. Specifically, it mandates that the Department of Interior conduct at least four oil and gas lease sales every year in Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Nevada, and any other state where federal land is available for drilling. The bill also requires that when these lease sales happen, all parcels that are eligible for development under existing land management plans must be offered for sale.

The bill also addresses the permitting process for companies that want to actually drill on leased land. It prevents the government from slowing down or blocking drilling permits simply because someone has filed a lawsuit challenging whether the original lease was issued properly. Under this bill, permits can only be delayed if a court actually rules that a lease violated environmental laws—not just because a lawsuit is pending. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Interior to publish monthly updates on how many companies are waiting for drilling permits and how many have been approved, making this information publicly available online.

Finally, the bill requires the Department of Interior to submit detailed reports to Congress about pending lease applications and drilling permits, including information about how long applications have been waiting and how decisions are made about approvals. The bill also demands that the department hand over all documents and communications related to any government review of oil and gas policies, giving Congress transparency into how these decisions are being made.

American Energy Security and Transparency Act

Herrell, Yvette

American Energy Security and Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to immediately resume sales of oil and gas leases in accordance with applicable onshore mineral leasing laws. The bill further specifies that Interior must conduct a minimum number of sales and offer all parcels eligible for oil and gas development in each state where there is land available for oil and gas leasing. Additionally, Interior must report to Congress, and publish certain information on its website, concerning sales of oil and gas leases and related drilling permits.