To require the Secretary of the Interior to meaningfully involve the public and State, Tribal, and local government officials prior to determining whether to offer certain parcels of land for oil or gas leasing, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Joe Neguse (Democratic-CO)July 23, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Public Input Required for Oil and Gas Leases

This bill would make sure everyday people, states, and Tribes have a say before the government leases public land for oil or gas drilling. Currently, the Interior Secretary decides these leases without a specific requirement for this kind of broad input. If passed, the Secretary would need to get public feedback and consider it before making a final decision.

What Would Change

Today, the Secretary of the Interior decides whether to offer parcels of land for oil or gas leasing without a specific legal requirement for "meaningful involvement" from the public or local governments. If this bill passes, the Secretary would be required to involve the public, state, Tribal, and local government officials before making these leasing decisions. This involvement would include specific steps like public disclosure, comment periods, and consultation with Tribes. The Secretary would also gain the explicit power to decide against offering a parcel based on this input.

Key Provisions

Requires the Interior Secretary to involve the public, states, Tribes, and local governments before offering land for oil or gas leasing.
Would make the Secretary publicly share proposals for leasing and analyze their expected effects on the land and other uses.
Gives the public a chance to comment on these leasing proposals.
Requires the Secretary to consider input from the public, state and local governments, and consult with federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Lets the Secretary decide not to offer a parcel for leasing based on this public and government input.

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HR 9924 · 119th Congress · July 23, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

To require the Secretary of the Interior to meaningfully involve the public and State, Tribal, and local government officials prior to determining whether to offer certain parcels of land for oil or gas leasing, and for other purposes.

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity