Acquired Lands Revenue Modernization Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
- Senate bill raises the state share of oil and gas royalties from federally acquired lands, matching the higher payout states already get from other federal mineral leases.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: oil and gas producing states like Ohio, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania with federal acquired lands.
- Loses: the US Treasury, which keeps a smaller share of lease revenue.
What it does
- Amends the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands so revenue follows Section 35 rules of the main Mineral Leasing Act.
- Shifts acquired-lands royalties into the standard 50% state / 50% federal split used elsewhere.
- Covers bonuses, rentals, and royalties from oil and gas leases on acquired federal lands.
- Keeps existing lease operations unchanged ā€” only the money split moves.
Why should I care?
Supporters say states hosting drilling deserve a bigger cut to fund schools, roads, and local services strained by energy activity. Critics argue acquired lands were bought with federal taxpayer money, so revenue should stay federal. An alternative: tie the state share to environmental cleanup spending. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.