Summary
This bill specifies that all federally acquired lands are eligible to be considered for hardrock mineral leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (MLAAL). The bill defines the term hardrock mineral to (1) include deposits of minerals found in sedimentary or other rocks, base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and precious and semi-precious gemstones; and (2) exclude deposits of coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, or mineral materials subject to disposition under the Materials Act of 1947.
By way of background, hardrock minerals are not currently listed under the MLAAL as deposits subject to a lease, while mineral resources such as coal, phosphate, oil, gas, gilsonite, and sulfur are listed. As a result, federal lands may be leased for mining hardrock minerals only if the federal lands were acquired under a statute, such as the Weeks Act, that specifically authorizes the land to be used for hardrock mineral leasing.
Legislative Journey
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3872.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5884-5885)
HouseMr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 309.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-357.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-357.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseSubcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
HouseSubcommittee Hearings Held
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
HouseReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House