Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment to HR 3534 that exempts applicants for a permit to drill from the moratorium against deepwater drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf if the Secretary of the Interior determines that they meet specific safety requirements.

Highlights:

• Exempts applicants for a permit to drill from the moratorium against drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf if the Secretary of the Interior determines that the applicant has complied with the following (Sec. 231):
• The following notices handed down by the Minerals Management Service:
• "National Notice to Lessees and Operators of Federal Oil and Gas Leases, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)," dated June 8, 2010 (NTL No. 2010-N05); and "National Notice to Lessees and Operators of Federal Oil and Gas Leases, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)," dated June 18, 2010 (NTL No. 2010-N06);
• Additional safety measures recommended by the Secretary; and
• All required safety inspections.

• Requires the Secretary of the Interior to determine whether to issue a permit to an applicant within 30 days of making a determination that an applicant meets the aforementioned requirements (Sec. 231).

• Prohibits federal agencies from suspending the active consideration of, or preparatory work for, permits required to resume or advance activities suspended in connection with the moratorium (Sec. 231).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text