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H.R.3918 / 109th Congress

Outer Continental Shelf Energy Relief Act

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10017-10022)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 27, 2005

Outer Continental Shelf Energy Relief Act - Declares that all provisions of existing federal law prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf have no force or effect.

Revokes all existing withdrawals made by the President under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

States such withdrawals are no longer in effect with respect to natural gas leasing, exploration, development or production.

Amends the OCSLA leasing program to instruct the Secretary, in each five-year program, to include lease sales that when viewed as a whole propose to offer for gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area.

Prescribes guidelines for sharing with certain coastal states bonus bid and royalty revenues received from existing and future federal gas leases on lands located within state seaward boundaries.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production only of natural gas and associated condensate (natural gas-only leasing).

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Who introduced it

Rep. Peterson, John E. [R-PA-5] · R–PA

Committees

  • Natural Resources Committee
24 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10017-10022)

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H9948-9950, H9951, H9952, H9953-9954)

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Resources.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3918 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3918 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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