HR 6211

110th CONGRESS
2d Session

H. R. 6211

To allow Americans the opportunity to see their vast oil shale and tar sands resources on Federal lands developed by providing the President with the ability to determine the quickest and most responsible way to access oil shale resources.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 9, 2008

Mr. CANNON (for himself, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. DREIER, Mr. HERGER, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, and Mr. BROWN of South Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, 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

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A BILL

To allow Americans the opportunity to see their vast oil shale and tar sands resources on Federal lands developed by providing the President with the ability to determine the quickest and most responsible way to access oil shale resources.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Oil Shale Opportunity Act of 2008'.

SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS ON OIL SHALE DEVELOPMENT.

(a) Interim Limitation of Application of Provisions of Law- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President shall limit the application of such provisions of law as he in his sole discretion deems necessary in order to expedite the exploration and production of oil and gas from oil shale and tar sands, including, but not limited to, in the issuance of any Federal permit to explore and produce oil and gas from oil shale and tar sands. The President shall not be required to follow the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, in taking action under this subsection.

(b) Federal Court Review-

(1) IN GENERAL- The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear all causes or claims arising from any action undertaken, or any decision made, by the President pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. A cause of action or claim may only be brought alleging a violation of the Constitution of the United States. The court shall not have jurisdiction to hear any claim not specified in this subsection.

(2) TIME FOR FILING OF COMPLAINT- Any cause or claim brought pursuant to this subsection shall be filed not later than 60 days after the date of the action or decision made by the President. A claim shall be barred unless it is filed within the time specified.

(3) ABILITY TO SEEK APPELATE REVIEW- An interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order of the district court may be reviewed only upon petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States.

SEC. 3. ALLOCATION OF FEDERAL ROYALTIES.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, one half of royalties due to the Federal government from the production under the authority of this Act shall be dedicated to fund private grants for research and development to: limit or capture carbon emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels; alternative fuels; and energy efficiency.

SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

No later than 30 days after taking action under section 2(a) of this Act, the President shall report to the committees of Congress having jurisdiction respectively over natural resources and administrative law regarding the nature and expected effects of such action.

END