Regulations last checked for updates: May 18, 2024

Title 30 - Mineral Resources last revised: May 15, 2024
§ 556.601 - How may I maintain my oil and gas lease beyond the primary term?

You may maintain your oil and gas lease beyond the expiration of the primary term as long as:

(a) You are producing oil or gas in paying quantities;

(b) You are conducting approved drilling or well reworking operations with the objective of establishing production in paying quantities, in accordance with 30 CFR 250.180;

(c) You are producing from, or drilling or reworking, an approved well adjacent to or adjoining your lease that extends directionally into your lease in accordance with 30 CFR 256.71;

(d) You make compensatory payments on your lease in accordance with 30 CFR 256.72;

(e) Your lease is included in a BSEE-approved unit, in accordance with 30 CFR part 250, subpart M; or

(f) Your lease is subject to a suspension of production or a suspension of operations, in accordance with 30 CFR 250.168 through 250.180, for reasons other than gross negligence or a willful violation of a provision of your lease or any governing regulations.

authority: 30 U.S.C. 1701 note, 30 U.S.C. 1711,31.S.C. 9701, 42 U.S.C. 6213,43.S.C. 1331 note, 43 U.S.C. 1334,43.S.C. 1801-1802
source: 81 FR 18152, Mar. 30, 2016, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 30 CFR 556.601