Abstract:
The Minerals Management
Service (MMS) is publishing a final rule to provide immediate
temporary relief to reporters in the aftermath of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. The final rule provides an extension to pay
royalties owed on Federal oil and gas leases and report
corresponding royalty and production reports. On August 29,
2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf of Mexico coast of the
United States. Subsequently, in late September 2005,
Hurricane Rita struck the Gulf Coast. Both hurricanes caused
extensive damage to areas in which a number of Federal oil
and gas lessees, particularly lessees of offshore leases, have
their offices and principal operations. This final rule
extends the due date for monthly royalty payments and reports
and monthly operations reports for Federal oil and gas
lessees, royalty payors, and operators whose operations have
been disrupted by one or both of the hurricanes to the extent
that the lessee, payor, or operator is prevented from
submitting accurate payments or accurate reports. Extending
the due date for royalty payments means that late payment
interest will not accrue for the period between the original
due date and the new due date established by this rule.
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