Summary

Requires the Interior Department to keep processing permits to drill and related approvals for valid existing oil and gas leases even if there is pending litigation, unless a court has vacated the lease. Limits courts’ ability to vacate or stop federal oil and gas lease sales or related lease activity, allowing such sales and awards to proceed except where a court finds a risk of imminent and substantial environmental harm and no other remedy will work. Also sets a four-year validity term for permits to drill issued after the law takes effect.

• Interior must continue processing permits to drill on valid leases during litigation unless a court has vacated the lease.
• New permits to drill issued after enactment are valid for a single four-year term or until lease expiration, whichever is sooner.
• Courts are barred from vacating or enjoining lease sales or related activities unless there is imminent and substantial environmental harm and no other equitable remedy.
• Courts may not block award of leases in NEPA suits if bids have been opened or a high bidder disclosed.
• Applies to onshore mineral leasing and Outer Continental Shelf lease sales.
• Does not change royalty rates, leasing standards, or appropriations.
• Increases procedural certainty for industry while narrowing judicial remedies available to challengers.