LEASE SALES UNDER THE 2017–2022 OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LEASING PROGRAM.

SEC. 50264. LEASE SALES UNDER THE 2017–2022 OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LEASING PROGRAM.(a) Definitions.—In this section:(1) Lease sale 257.—The term “Lease Sale 257” means the lease sale numbered 257 that was approved in the Record of Decision described in the notice of availability of a record of decision issued on August 31, 2021, entitled “Gulf of Mexico, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257” (86 Fed. Reg. 50160 (September 7, 2021)), and is the subject of the final notice of sale entitled “Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257” (86 Fed. Reg. 54728 (October 4, 2021)). (2) Lease sale 258.—The term “Lease Sale 258” means the lease sale numbered 258 described in the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program published on November 18, 2016, and approved by the Secretary in the Record of Decision issued on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)). (3) Lease sale 259.—The term “Lease Sale 259” means the lease sale numbered 259 described in the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program published on November 18, 2016, and approved by the Secretary in the Record of Decision issued on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)). (4) Lease sale 261.—The term “Lease Sale 261” means the lease sale numbered 261 described in the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program published on November 18, 2016, and approved by the Secretary in the Record of Decision issued on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)). (b) Lease Sale 257 Reinstatement.—(1) Acceptance of bids.—Not later 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, without modification or delay—136 STAT. 2060(A) accept the highest valid bid for each tract or bidding unit of Lease Sale 257 for which a valid bid was received on November 17, 2021; and (B) provide the appropriate lease form to the winning bidder to execute and return. (2) Lease issuance.—On receipt of an executed lease form under paragraph (1)(B) and payment of the rental for the first year, the balance of the bonus bid (unless deferred), and any required bond or security from the high bidder, the Secretary shall promptly issue to the high bidder a fully executed lease, in accordance with—(A) the regulations in effect on the date of Lease Sale 257; and (B) the terms and conditions of the final notice of sale entitled “Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 257” (86 Fed. Reg. 54728 (October 4, 2021)). (c) Requirement for Lease Sale 258.—Notwithstanding the expiration of the 2017–2022 leasing program, not later than December 31, 2022, the Secretary shall conduct Lease Sale 258 in accordance with the Record of Decision approved by the Secretary on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” issued on January 17, 2017 (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)). (d) Requirement for Lease Sale 259.—Notwithstanding the expiration of the 2017–2022 leasing program, not later than March 31, 2023, the Secretary shall conduct Lease Sale 259 in accordance with the Record of Decision approved by the Secretary on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” issued on January 17, 2017 (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)). (e) Requirement for Lease Sale 261.—Notwithstanding the expiration of the 2017–2022 leasing program, not later than September 30, 2023, the Secretary shall conduct Lease Sale 261 in accordance with the Record of Decision approved by the Secretary on January 17, 2017, described in the notice of availability entitled “Record of Decision for the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; MMAA104000” issued on January 17, 2017 (82 Fed. Reg. 6643 (January 19, 2017)).