; and (II) at any time if the Secretary finds that such a higher amount is necessary to enhance financial returns to the United States or to promote more efficient management of oil and gas resources on Federal lands. (iii) Not a major Federal action The proposal or issuance of any regulation to establish a higher national minimum acceptable bid under clause (ii) shall not be considered a major Federal action that is subject to the requirements of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C) ). . (d) Rentals Section 17(d) of the Mineral Leasing Act ( 30 U.S.C. 226(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Annual rentals All leases issued under this section shall be conditioned upon the payment by the lessee of a rental of— (1) not less than $3.00 per acre per year during the 2-year period beginning on the date the lease begins for new leases, and after the end of such two year period not less than $5 per acre per year; or (2) such higher rental rate as the Secretary may establish if the Secretary finds that such action is necessary to enhance financial returns to the United States and promote more efficient management of oil and gas and alternative energy resources on Federal lands. . (e) Elimination of noncompetitive leasing The Mineral Leasing Act ( 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 17(b) ( 30 U.S.C. 226(b) ), by striking paragraph (3); (2) by amending section 17(c) ( 30 U.S.C. 226(c) ) to read as follows: (c) Lands made available for leasing under subsection (b)(1) but for which no bid is accepted may be made available by the Secretary for a new round of sealed bidding under such subsection. ; (3) in section 17(e) ( 30 U.S.C. 226(e) )— (A) by striking Competitive and noncompetitive leases and inserting Leases, including leases for tar sand areas, ; and (B) by striking Provided, however and all that follows through ten years. ; (4) in section 31(d)(1) ( 30 U.S.C. 188(d)(1) ) by striking or section 17(c)