March 10, 2021 6:11 AM By Kellie Lunney and Zachary Sherwood
A bipartisan pair of senators are unveiling legislation today that would make companies pay more for oil and gas leases on federal lands, a day after the Biden administration began a comprehensive study of whether and how the U.S. sells those rights, Kellie Lunney reports.
Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are releasing the âFair Returns for Public Lands Act,â which would increase fees that oil and gas companies pay to lease onshore, including raising the royalty rate to 18.75% from the current 12.5% rate. The bill, which is companion legislation to a Democratic House bill, also would increase the rental rate for such leases and the national minimum bid per acre.
Editor s note: In an effort to shine a light on a community once pressed into the shadows, The Leaf-Chronicle showcased local trailblazers, intellectuals, activists and heroes every day in February during Black History Month. These Clarksville legends helped tear down racial barriers during some of the most turbulent times in American history.
Yet, this list was incomplete. Few of the people honored were women. It s true that decades ago, less women ran for political office, led congregations, graduated from medical school or served in active combat. But there would not be Black history, including a Black community in Clarksville, without the steady support and strength of so many wives and mothers, sisters and supporters.