Increased Transparency and Landowner Protection in Public Land Exploration
This new law enhances citizen and landowner rights in the process of mineral exploration on public lands. It mandates notification of planned activities, provides opportunities for public comment and protest, and ensures financial protection for landowners whose properties are affected by exploration.
Key points
Landowners, water rights holders, and local governments will be notified of planned public land exploration activities.
Companies bidding for land leases must disclose their identity, increasing transparency.
Public consultation and environmental analyses are now required before mineral lease sales.
Landowners affected by exploration must enter into written agreements with operators, outlining land use and compensation.
The law includes an arbitration mechanism for unresolved disputes between landowners and operators, and mandates financial assurances for potential damages.
Expired
Citizen Poll