Summary

Sets a fixed payment schedule for bonus payments on federal coal leases awarded under the deferred bonus payment option: the total bonus is split into 10 equal annual payments, and the first of those payments must be made when the bidder submits its bid. This changes how bidders and the government receive and manage lease bonus payments but does not change royalties or other lease terms.

• Specifies that deferred bonus payments for coal leases are payable in 10 equal annual installments.
• Requires the first installment to be paid when the bidder submits its bid.
• Changes cash-flow timing for bidders and the federal government, increasing upfront receipts.
• Applies to leases awarded under the deferred bonus payment option; does not change royalties or lease lengths.
• May affect bidder financing and competitiveness by requiring an upfront payment at bid time.
• Likely requires federal leasing agencies to update procedures and contracts to reflect the schedule.
• No effective date or transitional rules are specified in the provided text.
• Administrative simplicity: equal installments could make revenue forecasting more predictable.