I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 6481 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 28, 2023 Ms. Hageman introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse the fee for an expression of interest if the expression of interest becomes inactive, and for other purposes.

1. Expression of interest term and fee reimbursement Section 17(q) of the Mineral Leasing Act ( 30 U.S.C. 226(q) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Fee for ; (2) in paragraph (1), by striking nonrefundable ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Term An expression of interest submitted under this section shall remain active for a term of not less than 5 years. (4) Inactive status If an expression of interest becomes inactive, the Secretary shall refund the fee for the expression of interest to the person that submitted the expression of interest. .