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HR 6379 110th Congress House

Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008

Official title: To expedite the exploration and development of oil and gas from Federal lands, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 29, 2008 See on congress.gov
Energy Coastal zoneCommerceContinental shelfEnergy development
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Environmental ProtectionFinance and Financial SectorGas in submerged landsGas industryMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine resources conservationNatural gasOcean energy resourcesOil and gas leasesOil well drillingPetroleumPetroleum in submerged landsPetroleum industryPlanningProspecting
This bill died when the 110th Congress ended
It never became law before the 110th Congress (2007–2008) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 14, 2008
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jun 26, 2008
Introduced in House
Jun 26, 2008
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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 Latest action July 14, 2008

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise requirements for review and approval of outer Continental Shelf (OCS) plans for geological and geophysical exploration on any area under an oil and gas lease. Repeals the requirement that approval be denied if: (1) any proposed activity under the plan would result in serious harm or damage to life (including fish and other aquatic life), to property, to any mineral, to the national security or defense, or to the marine, coastal, or human environment; and (2) such proposed activity cannot be modified to avoid such harm or damage.

Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to cancel the lease or permit if the plan is disapproved.

Revises requirements for review and approval of OCS oil and gas development and production plans. Requires the Secretary to seek and accept the assistance of the Department of Defense in the review of any plan prepared for a lease containing military operating stipulations or other restrictions.

Repeals the requirement that the Secretary require modification of a plan without adequate provision for safe operations on the lease area or for protection of the human, marine, or coastal environment.

Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise requirements for regulation of surface-disturbing activities, including preparation of exploration and development and production plans.

Eliminates the requirement of an adequate bond, surety, or other financial arrangement before commencement of surface-disturbing activities on any lease to ensure reclamation of the lease tract, and restoration of any lands or surface waters adversely affected by lease operations after abandonment or cessation of oil and gas operations on the lease. Repeals the prohibition against issuance of a lease, or approval of its assignment, if reclamation requirements and other related standards have not been complied with.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 6379: Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008. 110th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6379/
MLA
"H.R. 6379: Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008." 110th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6379/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 6379, 110th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6379/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 6379: Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008](https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6379/)
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