[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE REMOVING EXCESS LITIGATION INVOLVING ENERGY ON 
                           FEDERAL LANDS ACT

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                           HON. PAUL C. BROUN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced the Removing 
Excess Litigation Involving Energy on Federal Lands Act, RELIEF Act. 
This legislation would help streamline judicial procedures for causes 
and claims regarding the leasing of Federal lands for the exploration, 
development, production, processing, or transmission of oil, natural 
gas, or any other source or form of energy.
  Excessive legal challenges have significantly delayed and in many 
cases prevented energy resources from reaching the American public. 
These oftentimes frivolous legal challenges have helped contribute to 
our nation's economic turmoil and skyrocketing energy costs.
  The RELIEF Act would not take away anyone's ``day in court;'' 
instead, it will simply streamline the process for all parties 
involved. This legislation would require that all claims be filed 
within 60 days of an action or decision and that any proceeding be 
resolved within 180 days of the claim being filed and gives precedence 
over other court proceedings. In addition, it requires that all appeals 
from the District Court be reviewed by the Supreme Court and that any 
proceeding be resolved within 180 days of the claim being filed. To 
deter frivolous lawsuits, it also requires that any person seeking 
judicial review of any action under this Act shall pay the prevailing 
party's legal fees and other expenses, unless the Court finds that the 
position of the person was substantially justified or that special 
circumstances make an award unjust.
  As the economic downturn continues and energy prices soar, our nation 
must do everything in its power to access the abundant natural 
resources with which we have been blessed. I believe this legislation 
can play an important part in our nation's economic recovery by 
alleviating current energy costs, while also helping to ensure our 
energy future.

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