How HR 205 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill extends the moratorium on certain leasing in the Gulf of Mexico and introduces new inspection fee provisions.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  Inspection Fees.-- The Secretary of the Interior shall collect from the operators of facilities subject to inspection under subsection (c) non-refundable fees for such inspections -- (1) at an aggregate level equal to the amount necessary to offset the annual expenses of inspections of outer Continental Shelf facilities (including mobile offshore drilling units) by the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) using a schedule that reflects the differences in complexity among the classes of facilities to be inspected.

  This introduces a fee structure for inspections of facilities on the outer Continental Shelf, requiring operators to pay for inspection services.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the 'Ocean Energy Safety Fund', into which shall be deposited all amounts collected as fees under paragraph (1) and which shall be available as provided under paragraph (3).

  Creates a dedicated fund for inspection fees to support safety and environmental oversight.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  For each fiscal year beginning after fiscal year 2020, the Secretary shall adjust each dollar amount specified in this subsection for inflation based on the change in the Consumer Price Index from fiscal year 2020.

  This mandates annual inflation adjustments for the inspection fees.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  Annual fees shall be collected under this subsection for facilities that are above the waterline, excluding drilling rigs, and are in place at the start of the fiscal year. Fees for fiscal year 2020 shall be-- (A) $11,500 for facilities with no wells, but with processing equipment or gathering lines; (B) $18,500 for facilities with 1 to 10 wells, with any combination of active or inactive wells; and (C) $34,500 for facilities with more than 10 wells, with any combination of active or inactive wells.

  Establishes specific annual fees for facility inspections based on the number of wells.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  Fees shall be collected under this subsection for drilling rigs on a per inspection basis. Fees for fiscal year 2020 shall be-- (A) $33,500 per inspection for rigs operating in water depths of 500 feet or more; and (B) $18,500 per inspection for rigs operating in water depths of less than 500 feet.

  Imposes per inspection fees for drilling rigs based on water depth.

• Section 22 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1348)

  Fees shall be collected under this subsection for well operations conducted via non-rig units as outlined in subparts D, E, F, and Q of part 250 of title 30, Code of Federal Regulations, on a per inspection basis. Fees for fiscal year 2020 shall be-- (A) $13,260 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths of 2,500 feet or more; (B) $11,530 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths between 500 and 2,499 feet; and (C) $4,470 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths of less than 500 feet.

  Establishes fees for inspections of non-rig units based on their operating depth.

• Section 104(a) of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note)

  Effective during fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, the moratorium on leasing in the Gulf of Mexico shall be continued until the Secretary determines that it is no longer necessary. → The Secretary.

  Changes the moratorium language to make it a permanent extension without the need for periodic review.