arrow_back Back to App

Increased Bonding and Fees for Drilling: Protecting Taxpayers and the Environment

This Act significantly increases the financial assurances (bonds) required from oil and gas companies operating on federal lands to prevent taxpayers from bearing the costs of environmental cleanup and reclamation. It mandates detailed interim and final reclamation plans and introduces higher inspection fees to ensure faster and more complete restoration of natural resources after operations cease. Furthermore, it establishes a per-barrel fee to fund the plugging and reclamation of orphaned wells.
Key points
Increased minimum bond amounts for oil and gas operators to cover the full cost of lease tract reclamation and well plugging.
Mandatory submission and approval of Interim and Final Reclamation Plans before drilling permits are granted, focusing on ecosystem restoration.
Establishment of new, higher annual inspection fees for operators to cover the full costs of government inspection and enforcement.
Introduction of an 'orphaned well fee' of at least $0.10 per barrel of oil equivalent produced from Federal lands, dedicated to plugging and reclaiming abandoned wells.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1505
Sponsor: Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47]
Process start date: 2021-03-02
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Bonding Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1505.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-03-02.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Increased minimum bond amounts for oil and gas operators to cover the full cost of lease tract reclamation and well plugging.
  • Mandatory submission and approval of Interim and Final Reclamation Plans before drilling permits are granted, focusing on ecosystem restoration.
  • Establishment of new, higher annual inspection fees for operators to cover the full costs of government inspection and enforcement.
  • Introduction of an 'orphaned well fee' of at least $0.10 per barrel of oil equivalent produced from Federal lands, dedicated to plugging and reclaiming abandoned wells.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 453.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Environment Economy Taxes