License to Drill Act
To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to extend the period of time during which the Secretary of the Interior is required to collect a fee for each new application for a permit to drill, and for other purposes.
HB7831, also known as the License to Drill Act, proposes to change the Mineral Leasing Act by extending the time period during which the Secretary of the Interior must collect fees for new drilling permit applications. This bill affects those who apply for drilling permits, potentially making the process more costly over a longer period. It was introduced on March 5, 2026, and has moved through several stages in the legislative process, including committee reviews and reports. The bill was passed by the House on June 2, 2026, and by the Senate without amendments on September 30, 2026.
The bill's recent history includes hearings by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, followed by a unanimous consent vote in the Senate. Key actions include being reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and being passed by both the House and the Senate. This bill is currently awaiting further action, possibly to be sent to the President for approval.
