Bill would protect U.S. landowners

The Associated Press

A bill that would protect landowners if their property is targeted for oil and gas development is winning support from Western ranchers.

The Western Waters and Surface Owners Protection Act would require oil and gas operators to replace water supplies damaged by development, outline steps to protect water resources, and negotiate surface-use agreements with private landowners whose property sits on federally owned minerals.

Reps. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Tom Udall, D-N.M., who are cousins, introduced the bill before Congress recessed for the year, after several failed efforts to add its provisions to the now-stalled energy bill.

The bill would require landowners be notified of leasing decisions that affect federal minerals under their land. Oil and gas developers would be required to fully reclaim land they disturb and to post bonds to cover the costs.

It also would establish a cleanup program for abandoned wells on federal lands and private lands that overlie federal minerals.