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H.R.4318 / 109th Congress

Outer Continental Shelf Natural Gas Relief Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 15, 2005

Outer Continental Shelf Natural Gas Relief Act - States that all provisions of federal law that prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf are without any force or effect.

Revokes all withdrawals from leasing of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf, including withdrawals by the President under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

States such withdrawals are no longer in effect with respect to the leasing of areas for natural gas exploration, development, and production.

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Prohibits granting a gas lease for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf located within 20 miles of a state's coastline unless the Governor grants state approval.

Directs the Secretary of Energy, in each five-year oil and gas leasing 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 Outer Continental Shelf planning area.

Sets forth a scheme for bonus bids and royalties that affects: (1) new and existing gas leases; and (2) leased tracts lying partially within the seaward boundaries of a state.

Permits leases that authorize development and production solely of natural gas and associated condensate, including leases for program years 2002-2007, and for program years 2007-2012.

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Who introduced it

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

Committees

  • Education and Workforce Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
170 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

  3. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

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

  5. Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  7. Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  8. Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  9. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10194)

  10. Introduced in House

  11. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4318 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

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Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

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