Domestic ORE Act

This legislation, titled the Domestic Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act, establishes codified notice requirements for mineral exploration activities conducted on certain public lands. It specifically targets exploration projects that result in a surface disturbance of not more than 25 acres , encompassing activities such as drilling, trenching, and geophysical surveys. The bill clarifies that these activities are distinct from casual use but do not include the extraction of material for commercial use or sale. Under the Act, operators must submit a notice to the Secretary concerned (Interior or Agriculture) at least 15 days prior to beginning exploration. This notice must include specified information and be accompanied by adequate financial assurance to cover potential impacts. The Secretary is then required to review the submission within 15 days, either permitting the activity to proceed if all conditions are met or notifying the operator of any missing information.