Expression of Interest Sensibility Act

The "Expression of Interest Sensibility Act" proposes amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act, specifically targeting the process and assessment of fees related to expressions of interest for oil and gas leases. Its primary goal is to refine when and to whom these fees are applied, ensuring a more structured approach to lease interest management. Under the revised provisions, if land for which an expression of interest was submitted receives no bids at a lease sale, the Secretary must assess a fee against the person who submitted the first expression of interest for that land. Conversely, if the land receives a successful bid , the fee for the expression of interest will be assessed against the successful bidder . The bill also establishes that an expression of interest will remain active for a minimum term of five years , unless the associated land is offered at a lease sale.