[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 26, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15885-15898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5929]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Parts 203, 206, 210, 216, 218, and 227

[Docket No. MMS-2008-MRM-0021]
RIN 1010-AD20


Reporting Amendments

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The MMS is amending existing regulations for reporting 
production and royalties on oil, gas, coal and other solid minerals, 
and geothermal resources produced from Federal and Indian leases in 
order to align the regulations with current MMS business practices. 
These amendments reflect changes that were implemented as a result of 
major reengineering of MMS financial systems and other legal 
requirements.

DATES: Effective Date: April 25, 2008.

[[Page 15886]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hyla Hurst, Regulatory Specialist, 
Minerals Management Service, Minerals Revenue Management, P.O. Box 
25165, MS 302B2, Denver, Colorado 80225; telephone (303) 231-3495; FAX 
(303) 231-3781; e-mail [email protected]. The principal authors of 
this rule are Lorraine Corona, Louise Williams, Sarah Inderbitzin, 
Richard Adamski, and Paul Knueven of Minerals Revenue Management, MMS, 
Department of the Interior.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The MMS implemented integrated reengineered systems on November 1, 
2001. This process included a major reengineering of the Minerals 
Revenue Management (MRM) financial system. The new systems are the core 
systems support for MMS implementation of new royalty management 
business processes for the 21st century. The new systems were developed 
around new business processes and have been designed to be more 
effective and efficient. The reengineering, as well as other changes 
required by law, resulted in changes to, or elimination of, some forms 
and requirements. This final rule eliminates references to forms that 
are no longer used. However, elimination of these forms does not 
eliminate the requirements for record retention and making records 
available for audits and reviews of royalty payments.
    This final rule amends the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in 
order to (1) align MMS regulations with the updated Form MMS-2014, 
Report of Sales and Royalty Remittance, which is approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 1010-0140; (2) 
eliminate references in the regulations to report forms, designations, 
systems, and codes that are no longer used; (3) update references to 
OMB-approved information collections; (4) revise the due date for 
production reports submitted electronically; (5) clarify the 
requirement for production reporting of inventory on leases and units 
until all production has ceased and all inventory has been disposed of; 
(6) eliminate references to Federal oil and gas late and incorrect 
(erroneous) reporting assessments and failure to report; (7) eliminate 
references to some electronic reporting options that no longer exist as 
a result of reengineering; and (8) clarify the reporting requirement 
for taxpayer identification numbers.
    In the proposed rule published on July 7, 2006 (71 FR 38545), we 
overlooked a number of references in 30 CFR part 206 to the term 
selling arrangement, which was eliminated under revised reporting 
practices. As explained in the proposed rule, before October 1, 2001, 
MMS required payors to report at the selling arrangement level on Form 
MMS-2014, which entailed reporting one line for each sale under each 
type of contract. Effective October 1, 2001, the revised Form MMS-2014 
allows payors to ``roll up'' all sales (including pooled sales) under a 
contract type--referred to as a ``sales type code''--to one line per 
lease.
    For transportation allowances, the existing rules prescribe a limit 
of 50 percent of the sales value on the basis of a ``selling 
arrangement,'' which is currently defined as the individual contractual 
arrangements under which production is sold or disposed of. Under the 
new regulations, a transportation allowance limit would apply to the 
collective sales of a specific sales type such as all of the lessee's 
arm's-length sales from a lease. For Indian leases in an index zone, 
this change will have no effect on gas valued based upon the index-
based methodology in 30 CFR 206.172. We have not received any requests 
to exceed the 50-percent allowance limit for Indian leases, resulting 
in no effect on Indian lease revenue. We have, however, received 
requests to exceed the 50-percent allowance limit for Federal leases. 
However, the impact to Federal revenue due to this reporting change is 
insignificant.
    Appropriate changes to the regulatory text are included in this 
final rule. In addition, several technical updates are made in parts 
203 and 227 to align with the revised 30 CFR citations.

II. Comments on the Proposed Rule

    The MMS received comments from one respondent on the proposed rule. 
The respondent represents a tribal organization.
    Comment 1: The respondent states that the proposed rule applies the 
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1996 
(RSFA) to Indian lands by applying the reengineered systems to Indian 
lease reporting in order to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
    MMS Response: The MMS does not agree. The MMS is not applying RSFA 
to Indian lands. Rather, MMS is applying several laws dating back to 
the early part of the 20th century that are designed to ensure that all 
Federal agencies conduct operations in the most effective, efficient, 
and economical manner possible. The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, 
31 U.S.C. 702, established the Government Accountability Office (then 
the General Accounting Office) (GAO) as an independent agency, with its 
current mission to help improve the performance and ensure the 
accountability of the Federal Government. The GAO accomplishes its 
mission by providing reliable information and informed analysis to 
Congress, Federal agencies, and the public. Furthermore, GAO recommends 
improvements through financial and other performance audits to 
determine whether public funds are being spent efficiently and 
effectively. The Inspector General Act of 1978, Public Law 95-452, 
established the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General 
to provide leadership and coordination and to recommend policies for 
activities designed to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
The goal of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, Public 
Law 103-62, is to improve public confidence in Federal agency 
performance by requiring that federally funded agencies develop and 
implement an accountability system based on performance measurement, 
including setting goals and objectives and measuring progress toward 
achieving them. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) requires 
Federal agencies to reduce, minimize, and control burdens and maximize 
the public benefit of information collections. Therefore, our 
information collections are independent of RSFA mandates. The MMS 
operates under all these mandates to ensure that our business practices 
are efficient, effective, and economical.
    Comment 2: The respondent disagrees with the proposed changes to 
improve reporting requirements, saying they are unjustified when 
applied to Indian lease reporting. The respondent states that the 
proposed elimination of forms and the reduced information available to 
the Government appear to be a retrenchment to the ``we'll catch it on 
the audit'' mentality. The respondent further states that the 
reengineering processes described in the proposed rulemaking might 
serve the purposes of increased automation and efficiency contemplated 
or mandated by RSFA, but those requirements to simplify royalty 
reporting ``emphatically do not apply to Indian lands.''
    MMS Response: The MMS does not agree. This final rule does not 
change current MMS reporting requirements, but simply aligns the 
regulations with our current business processes. Furthermore, as stated 
above, the MMS has a responsibility to ensure that all its operations 
are efficient, effective, and economical, which predates and is

[[Page 15887]]

independent of RSFA mandates. Furthermore, the reengineered reporting 
systems were developed with the full involvement of all MMS 
stakeholders, including the respondent. In 1995, the Department of the 
Interior established a Royalty Policy Committee (RPC) under the 
Minerals Management Advisory Board. The purpose of RPC is to provide 
advice on the Department's management of Federal and Indian mineral 
leases, revenues, and other minerals-related policies. The RPC included 
representatives from states, Indian tribes and allottee organizations, 
minerals industry associations, the general public, and Federal 
agencies. At its first meeting in September 1995, the RPC established 
eight subcommittees, including the Reporting and Production Accounting 
Subcommittee. This Subcommittee (whose membership included four Indian 
representatives) was established to focus on improving and streamlining 
reporting for production and royalties on Federal and Indian mineral 
leases. The Subcommittee published a report in July 1996 that was 
approved by RPC during the June 4, 1996, meeting. The record of that 
RPC meeting contains no objections to the Subcommittee's proposed 
improved processing of Indian lease reporting from either the 
respondent or any other Indian representative. Reengineered reporting 
was discussed at subsequent RPC meetings and other public meetings as 
MMS continued to accept stakeholder input.
    The MMS does not agree with the respondent's statement that this 
rulemaking is a retrenchment to a ``we'll catch it on the audit'' 
mentality. The proposed rule addressed reporting, not compliance. The 
changes to MMS reporting and financial systems as a result of 
reengineering required a comprehensive review of our information 
collections to eliminate duplication and to ensure that all remaining 
collections are efficient, effective, and economical while fully 
supporting compliance activities. The elimination of some forms did not 
eliminate the requirement for the information, but consolidated the 
information on fewer forms. These changes resulted in a reduction of 
44,501 industry reporting burden hours and are in compliance with the 
PRA. Using a rate of $50 per hour, the reengineered reporting saved 
industry $2.2 million per year (44,501 burden hours x $50 = 
$2,225,050), without compromising MMS compliance and audit activities.
    The elimination of the Report of Monthly Operations (Form MMS-3160) 
and reliance on the Oil and Gas Operations Report (Form MMS-4054) 
enables an integrated, computerized comparison of production and 
royalty reports to verify that proper royalties are received for the 
minerals produced. This approach is more effective and efficient than a 
manually intensive comparison. The reengineering processes served the 
purposes of increased automation and efficiency as mandated by law. No 
MMS operation is exempt from those requirements.

III. Procedural Matters

1. Summary Cost and Royalty Impact Data

    This rule does not impose any additional costs/savings or royalty 
impacts on any of the potentially affected groups. There will be no 
change in royalties or administrative burdens to industry, state and 
local governments, Indian tribes, individual Indian mineral owners, or 
the Federal Government.
    This rule amends existing MMS regulations to align the CFR with 
current MMS business practices, which were implemented as a result of 
major reengineering of MMS financial systems. The net impact of 
reengineering resulted in an overall estimated annual savings in 
reporting costs (on a continuing basis) of $2,225,050 (44,501-burden-
hour reduction x $50). However, the reporting changes and reduced costs 
of reengineering have already been incorporated into 13 information 
collection requests (ICR), which have been published in the Federal 
Register and approved by OMB. The effects of the seven eliminated 
report forms were either incorporated into these ICRs or were 
associated with insignificant burden hour reduction. For a current 
listing of OMB-approved ICRs, see the chart in 30 CFR 210.10.
    Under this rule, MMS no longer accepts social security numbers 
(SSNs) to meet the requirement to report using a taxpayer 
identification number (TIN). To protect an individual's privacy, MMS 
requires the use of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a TIN 
for reporting purposes. The one-time cost to obtain an EIN from the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is covered under an IRS information 
collection request (OMB Control Number 1545-0003, expires August 31, 
2008).

2. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule, and OMB has not reviewed 
this rule under Executive Order 12866.
    1. This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the 
economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, 
productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or 
safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities. This 
rule amends the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS business 
processes. It does not change current MMS reporting requirements in any 
material way.
    2. This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. This rule 
amends the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS business 
processes. It does not change current MMS reporting requirements in any 
material way.
    3. This rule does not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients. This rule amends the CFR to align the regulations 
with current MMS business processes. It does not change current MMS 
reporting requirements in any material way.
    4. This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues. This rule 
amends the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS business 
processes. It does not change current MMS reporting requirements in any 
material way.

3. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
This rule amends the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS 
business processes. It does not change current MMS reporting 
requirements in any material way.

4. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    1. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more. This rule amends the CFR to align the regulations with current 
MMS business processes. It does not change current MMS reporting 
requirements in any material way. Small businesses were among those in 
industry affected by reengineering our business processes. New 
reporting requirements were covered in the appropriate ICRs, published 
for public comment in the Federal Register, and approved by OMB. The 
effects on small businesses included a reduction in reporting costs, as 
shown in the ``Summary Cost and Royalty Impact Data'' above.

[[Page 15888]]

    2. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, state, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions. This rule amends the CFR to align the 
regulations with current MMS business processes. It does not change 
current MMS reporting requirements in any material way.
    3. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. This 
rule amends the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS business 
processes. It does not change current MMS reporting requirements in any 
material way.

5. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on state, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. This rule amends 
the CFR to align the regulations with current MMS business processes. 
It does not change current MMS reporting requirements in any material 
way. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

6. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 12630, this rule does not 
have significant takings implications. This rule amends the CFR to 
align the regulations with current MMS business processes. It does not 
change current MMS reporting requirements in any material way. A 
takings implication assessment is not required.

7. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 13132, this rule does not 
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This rule amends the CFR to align the 
regulations with current MMS business processes. It does not change 
current MMS reporting requirements in any material way. A Federalism 
Assessment is not required.

8. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    1. Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    2. Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

9. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    Under the criteria in Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated this 
rule and determined that it has no potential effects on federally 
recognized Indian tribes. This rule amends the CFR to align the 
regulations with current MMS business processes. It does not change 
current MMS reporting requirements in any material way. This rule does 
not have tribal implications that impose substantial direct compliance 
costs on Indian tribal governments. This rule also has no significant 
impact on individual Indian mineral owners.

10. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain new information collection requirements 
or significantly change existing information collections; therefore, a 
submission to OMB is not required. There was no change in the 
information collection from the proposed to the final rule. The MMS 
received one comment on the proposed rule concerning the reporting 
requirements for Indian lands; however, it did not pertain to the 
currently approved burden hours. The MMS response is explained in 
Section II of the Preamble.
    The 13 information collections referenced in this rule and listed 
in the chart below are currently approved by OMB and include a total 
burden of 273,101 hours.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   OMB control number, short       Form or information     Annual burden
   title, and expiration date           collected              hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1010-0073, 30 CFR Part 220, Net  No form for the                   1,583
 Profit Share Payment--           following collection:
 September 30, 2008.              Net profit
                                  share payment
                                  information..
1010-0087, 30 CFR Parts 227,     No forms for the                  6,194
 228, and 229, Delegation to      following collections:.
 States and Cooperative           Written
 Activities with States and       delegation proposal to
 Indian Tribes--August 31, 2009.  perform auditing and
                                  investigative
                                  activities..
                                  Request for
                                  cooperative agreement
                                  and subsequent
                                  requirements..
1010-0090, 30 CFR Part 216,      Form MMS-4377, Stripper             180
 Stripper Royalty Rate            Royalty Rate Reduction
 Reduction Notification--         Notification.
 December 31, 2010.
1010-0103, 30 CFR Parts 202 and  Form MMS-4109, Gas                1,276
 206, Indian Oil and Gas          Processing Allowance
 Valuation--June 30, 2009.        Summary Report.
                                 Form MMS-4295, Gas
                                  Transportation
                                  Allowance Report..
                                 Form MMS-4110, Oil
                                  Transportation
                                  Allowance Report..
                                 Form MMS-4411, Safety
                                  Net Report.
                                 Form MMS-4410,
                                  Accounting for
                                  Comparison [Dual
                                  Accounting].
                                 Form MMS-4393, Request
                                  to Exceed Regulatory
                                  Allowance Limitation
                                  \1\.
1010-0107, 30 CFR Part 218,      Form MMS-4425,                    1,220
 Collection of Monies Due the     Designation Form for
 Federal Government--August 31,   Royalty Payment
 2008.                            Responsibility.
                                 No forms for the
                                  following collections:
                                  Cross-lease
                                  netting documentation..
                                  Indian
                                  recoupment approval..
1010-0119, 30 CFR Part 208,      Form MMS-4070,                    2,284
 Royalty in Kind (RIK) Oil and    Application for the
 Gas--February 28, 2009.          Purchase of Royalty
                                  Oil.
                                 Form MMS-4071, Letter
                                  of Credit (RIK)..
                                 Form MMS-4072, Royalty-
                                  in-Kind Contract
                                  Surety Bond..
                                 No form for the
                                  following collection:
                                  Royalty oil
                                  sales to eligible
                                  refiners..

[[Page 15889]]

 
1010-0120, 30 CFR Parts 202,     Form MMS 4430, Solid              3,670
 206, 210, 212, 217, and 218,     Minerals Production
 Solid Minerals and Geothermal    and Royalty Report.
 Collections--December 31, 2010. Form 4292, Coal Washing
                                  Allowance Report..
                                 Form 4293, Coal
                                  Transportation
                                  Allowance Report..
                                 No forms for the
                                  following collections:
                                  Facility data-
                                  solid minerals..
                                  Sales
                                  contracts-solid
                                  minerals..
                                  Sales
                                  summaries-solid
                                  minerals..
1010-0122, 30 CFR Part 243,      Form MMS-4435,                      300
 Suspensions Pending Appeal and   Administrative Appeal
 Bonding--July 31, 2008.          Bond.
                                 Form MMS-4436, Letter
                                  of Credit..
                                 Form MMS-4437,
                                  Assignment of
                                  Certificate of
                                  Deposit..
                                 No forms for the
                                  following collections:
                                  Self bonding..
                                  U.S. Treasury
                                  securities..
1010-0136, 30 CFR Parts 202 and  Form MMS-4393, Request           20,504
 206, Federal Oil and Gas         to Exceed Regulatory
 Valuation--June 30, 2009.        Allowance Limitation
                                  \1\..
                                 No form for the
                                  following collection:
                                  Federal oil
                                  valuation support
                                  information..
1010-0139, 30 CFR Parts 210 and  Form MMS-4054, Oil and       \2\ 76,631
 216, Production Accounting--     Gas Operations Report.
 October 31, 2009.               Form MMS-4058 (Parts A,
                                  B, and C), Production
                                  Allocation Schedule
                                  Report..
1010-0140, 30 CFR Part 210,      Form MMS-2014, Report           158,821
 Forms and Reports--November      of Sales and Royalty
 30, 2009.                        Remittance.
1010-0155, 30 CFR Part 204,      No form for the                     406
 Alternatives for Marginal        following collection:.
 Properties--June 30, 2009.       Notification
                                  and relief request for
                                  accounting and
                                  auditing relief..
1010-0162, CFO Act of 1992,      No form for the                      32
 Accounts Receivable              following collection:.
 Confirmations--March 31, 2009.   Accounts
                                  receivable
                                  confirmations..
                                                         ---------------
    Total Burden Hours.........  .......................         273,101
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Form MMS-4393 is used for both Federal and Indian oil and gas
  leases. The form resides with ICR 1010-0136, but the burden hours for
  Indian leases are included in ICR 1010-0103.
\2\ Nonhour cost: $600,000.

    The Paperwork Reduction Act provides that an agency may not conduct 
or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

11. National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not required. 
This rule deals with financial matters and has no direct effect on MMS 
decisions on environmental activities. Royalties and audits are 
considered to be routine financial transactions that are subject to 
categorical exclusion from the requirement to prepare a detailed 
statement or environmental assessment.

12. Data Quality Act

    In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act 
(Pub. L. 106-554).

13. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

14. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated potential 
effects on federally recognized Indian tribes, and found no significant 
impacts. We also extended our review to individual Indian mineral 
owners and determined no significant impact on them.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Parts 203, 206, 210, 216, 218, and 227

    Coal, Solid minerals, Continental Shelf, Electronic funds 
transfers, Geothermal energy, Government contracts, Indian lands, 
Mineral royalties, Natural gas, Penalties, Petroleum, Oil and gas, 
Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: March 13, 2008.
C. Stephen Allred,
Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.

0
For reasons stated in the preamble, MMS is amending 30 CFR parts 203, 
206, 210, 216, 218, and 227 as follows:

PART 203--RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 203 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396 et seq., 396a et seq., 2101 et seq.; 30 
U.S.C. 181 et seq., 351 et seq., 1001 et seq., 1701 et seq.; 31 
U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq., 1331 et seq., and 1801 et seq.

Subpart B--OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General

0
2. Amend Sec.  203.41 by revising paragraphs (b) introductory text and 
(d) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  203.41  If I have a qualified well, what royalty relief will my 
lease earn?

* * * * *
    (b) We will suspend royalties on gas volumes produced on or after 
May 3, 2004, reported on the Oil and Gas Operations Report, Part A 
(OGOR-A) for your lease under 30 CFR part 210, Subpart C--Production 
Reports--Oil and Gas, as and to the extent prescribed in Sec.  203.42.
* * * * *
    (d) We will suspend royalties on gas volumes produced on or after 
May 3, 2004, reported on the Oil and Gas Operations Report, Part A 
(OGOR-A) for your lease under 30 CFR part 210,

[[Page 15890]]

Subpart C--Production Reports--Oil and Gas, as and to the extent 
prescribed in Sec.  203.42.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  203.44 by revising paragraph (b) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  203.44  If I drill a certified unsuccessful well, what royalty 
relief will my lease earn?

* * * * *
    (b) We will suspend royalties on oil and gas volumes produced on or 
after May 3, 2004, reported on the Oil and Gas Operations Report, Part 
A (OGOR-A) for your lease under 30 CFR part 210, Subpart C--Production 
Reports--Oil and Gas, as and to the extent prescribed in Sec.  203.45.
* * * * *

PART 206--PRODUCT VALUATION

0
4. The authority citation for part 206 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 et seq.; 25 U.S.C. 396 et seq., 396a et 
seq., 2101 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq., 351 et seq., 1001 et 
seq., 1701 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq., 1331 et 
seq., and 1801 et seq.

Subpart B--Indian Oil

0
5. Amend Sec.  206.51 as follows:
0
A. Remove the definition of ``selling arrangement.''
0
B. Add in alphabetical order the definition of ``sales type code'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  206.51  What definitions apply to this subpart?

* * * * *
    Sales type code means the contract type or general disposition 
(e.g., arm's-length or non-arm's-length) of production from the lease. 
The sales type code applies to the sales contract, or other 
disposition, and not to the arm's-length or non-arm's-length nature of 
a transportation allowance.
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  206.56 by revising paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  206.56  Transportation allowances--general.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the 
transportation allowance deduction on the basis of a sales type code 
may not exceed 50 percent of the value of the oil at the point of sale 
as determined under Sec.  206.52 of this subpart. Transportation costs 
cannot be transferred between sales type codes or to other products.
    (2) Upon request of a lessee, MMS may approve a transportation 
allowance deduction in excess of the limitation prescribed by paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section. The lessee must demonstrate that the 
transportation costs incurred in excess of the limitation prescribed in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section were reasonable, actual, and 
necessary. An application for exception (using Form MMS-4393, Request 
to Exceed Regulatory Allowance Limitation) must contain all relevant 
and supporting documentation necessary for MMS to make a determination. 
Under no circumstances may the value, for royalty purposes, under any 
sales type code, be reduced to zero.
* * * * *
    (d) If, after a review or audit, MMS determines that a lessee has 
improperly determined a transportation allowance authorized by this 
subpart, then the lessee will pay any additional royalties, plus 
interest determined in accordance with 30 CFR 218.54, or will be 
entitled to a credit without interest.

0
7. Amend Sec.  206.57 by revising paragraphs (c)(4) and (e)(1) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  206.57  Determination of transportation allowances.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Transportation allowances must be reported as a separate entry 
on Form MMS-2014, unless MMS approves a different reporting procedure.
* * * * *
    (e) Adjustments. (1) If the actual transportation allowance is less 
than the amount the lessee has taken on Form MMS-2014 for each month 
during the allowance form reporting period, the lessee must pay 
additional royalties due plus interest computed under 30 CFR 218.54, 
retroactive to the first day of the first month the lessee is 
authorized to deduct a transportation allowance. If the actual 
transportation allowance is greater than the amount the lessee has 
taken on Form MMS-2014 for each month during the allowance form 
reporting period, the lessee will be entitled to a credit without 
interest.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Federal Oil

0
8. Revise Sec.  206.116 to read as follows:


Sec.  206.116  What interest applies if I improperly report a 
transportation allowance?

    (a) If you or your affiliate deducts a transportation allowance on 
Form MMS-2014 that exceeds 50 percent of the value of the oil 
transported without obtaining MMS's prior approval under Sec.  206.109, 
you must pay interest on the excess allowance amount taken from the 
date that amount is taken to the date you or your affiliate files an 
exception request that MMS approves. If you do not file an exception 
request, or if MMS does not approve your request, you must pay interest 
on the excess allowance amount taken from the date that amount is taken 
until the date you pay the additional royalties owed.
    (b) If you or your affiliate takes a deduction for transportation 
on Form MMS-2014 by improperly netting an allowance against the oil 
instead of reporting the allowance as a separate entry, MMS may assess 
a civil penalty under 30 CFR part 241.

Subpart D--Federal Gas

0
9. Amend Sec.  206.151 as follows:
0
A. Revise the definition of ``netting.''
0
B. Add in alphabetical order the definition of ``sales type code.''
0
C. Remove the definition of ``selling arrangement.''
    The revision and addition read as follows:


Sec.  206.151  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Netting means the deduction of an allowance from the sales value by 
reporting a net sales value, instead of correctly reporting the 
deduction as a separate entry on Form MMS-2014.
* * * * *
    Sales type code means the contract type or general disposition 
(e.g., arm's-length or non-arm's-length) of production from the lease. 
The sales type code applies to the sales contract, or other 
disposition, and not to the arm's-length or non-arm's-length nature of 
a transportation or processing allowance.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  206.156 by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  206.156  Transportation allowances--general.

* * * * *
    (c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, for 
unprocessed gas valued in accordance with Sec.  206.152 of this 
subpart, the transportation allowance deduction on the basis of a sales 
type code may not exceed 50 percent of the value of the unprocessed gas 
determined under Sec.  206.152 of this subpart.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, for gas 
production valued in accordance with Sec.  206.153 of this subpart, the 
transportation allowance deduction on the basis of a sales type code 
may not exceed 50 percent of the value of the residue gas

[[Page 15891]]

or gas plant product determined under Sec.  206.153 of this subpart. 
For purposes of this section, natural gas liquids will be considered 
one product.
    (3) Upon request of a lessee, MMS may approve a transportation 
allowance deduction in excess of the limitations prescribed by 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section. The lessee must 
demonstrate that the transportation costs incurred in excess of the 
limitations prescribed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section 
were reasonable, actual, and necessary. An application for exception 
(using Form MMS-4393, Request to Exceed Regulatory Allowance 
Limitation) must contain all relevant and supporting documentation 
necessary for MMS to make a determination. Under no circumstances may 
the value for royalty purposes under any sales type code be reduced to 
zero.
    (d) If, after a review or audit, MMS determines that a lessee has 
improperly determined a transportation allowance authorized by this 
subpart, then the lessee must pay any additional royalties, plus 
interest, determined in accordance with 30 CFR 218.54, or will be 
entitled to a credit, with interest. If the lessee takes a deduction 
for transportation on Form MMS-2014 by improperly netting the allowance 
against the sales value of the unprocessed gas, residue gas, and gas 
plant products instead of reporting the allowance as a separate entry, 
MMS may assess a civil penalty under 30 CFR part 241.


Sec.  206.157  [Amended]

0
11. Amend Sec.  206.157 as follows:
0
A. In the last sentence of paragraph (a)(1)(i), remove the word 
``line.''
0
B. In the third sentence of paragraph (b)(1), remove the word ``line.''
0
C. Remove paragraph (d)(1) and redesignate paragraphs (d)(2) through 
(d)(4) as paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3), respectively.

0
12. Amend Sec.  206.158 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  206.158  Processing allowances--general.

* * * * *
    (e) If MMS determines that a lessee has improperly determined a 
processing allowance authorized by this subpart, then the lessee must 
pay any additional royalties, plus interest determined under 30 CFR 
218.54, or will be entitled to a credit with interest. If the lessee 
takes a deduction for processing on Form MMS-2014 by improperly netting 
the allowance against the sales value of the gas plant products instead 
of reporting the allowance as a separate entry, MMS may assess a civil 
penalty under 30 CFR part 241.


Sec.  206.159  [Amended]

0
13. Amend Sec.  206.159 as follows:
0
A. In the last sentence of paragraph (a)(1)(i), remove the word 
``line.''
0
B. In the third sentence of paragraph (b)(1), remove the word ``line.''
0
C. In paragraph (c)(1)(i), remove the word ``line.''
0
D. In paragraph (c)(2)(i), remove the word ``line.''
0
E. In paragraph (d) heading, remove the words ``and assessments''.
0
F. Remove paragraph (d)(1) and redesignate paragraphs (d)(2) through 
(d)(4) as paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3), respectively.
0
G. In the last sentence of paragraph (e)(1), remove the words ``without 
interest'' and add in their place ``with interest.''

Subpart E--Indian Gas

0
14. Amend Sec.  206.171 as follows:
0
A. Remove the definition of ``selling arrangement.''
0
B. Add in alphabetical order the definition of ``sales type code'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  206.171  What definitions apply to this subpart?

* * * * *
    Sales type code means the contract type or general disposition 
(e.g., arm's-length or non-arm's-length) of production from the lease. 
The sales type code applies to the sales contract, or other 
disposition, and not to the arm's-length or non-arm's-length nature of 
a transportation or processing allowance.
* * * * *


Sec.  206.177  [Amended]

0
15. Amend Sec.  206.177 as follows:
0
A. In the first sentence of paragraph (c)(1) remove the words ``selling 
arrangement'' and add in their place ``sales type code.''
0
B. In the last sentence of paragraph (c)(2), remove the words ``selling 
arrangement'' and add in their place ``sales type code.''


Sec.  206.178  [Amended]

0
16. In Sec.  206.178, in the first sentence of paragraph (d)(2), remove 
the words ``line item'' and add in their place the word ``entry.''


Sec.  206.180  [Amended]

0
17. In Sec.  206.180, in the first sentence of paragraph (c)(2), remove 
the words ``line item'' and add in their place the word ``entry.''

Subpart F--Federal Coal

0
18. Amend Sec.  206.251 as follows:
0
A. Remove the definition of ``selling arrangement.''
0
B. Add in alphabetical order the definition of ``sales type code'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  206.251  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Sales type code means the contract type or general disposition 
(e.g., arm's-length or non-arm's-length) of production from the lease. 
The sales type code applies to the sales contract, or other 
disposition, and not to the arm's-length or non-arm's-length nature of 
a transportation or washing allowance.
* * * * *

0
19. Revise Sec.  206.252 to read as follows:


Sec.  206.252  Information collection.

    The information collection requirements contained in this subpart 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The forms, filing date, and approved OMB control 
numbers are identified in 30 CFR 210--Forms and Reports.

0
20. Amend Sec.  206.254 by revising the last sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  206.254  Quality and quantity measurement standards for reporting 
and paying royalties.

    * * * Coal quantity information will be reported on appropriate 
forms required under 30 CFR part 210--Forms and Reports.


Sec.  206.259  [Amended]

0
21. In Sec.  206.259, in paragraph (d)(1), remove the words ``selling 
arrangement'' and add in their place the words ``sales type code.''


Sec.  206.262  [Amended]

0
22. In Sec.  206.262, in paragraph (d)(1), remove the words ``selling 
arrangement'' and add in their place the words ``sales type code.''

Subpart J--Indian Coal

0
25. Amend Sec.  206.451 as follows:
0
A. Remove the definition of ``selling arrangement.''
0
B. Add in alphabetical order the definition of ``sales type code'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  206.451  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Sales type code means the contract type or general disposition 
(e.g. arm's-length or non-arm's-length) of

[[Page 15892]]

production from the lease. The sales type code applies to the sales 
contract, or other disposition, and not to the arm's-length or non-
arm's-length nature of a transportation or washing allowance.
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Sec.  206.453 by revising the last sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  206.453  Quality and quantity measurement standards for reporting 
and paying royalties.

    * * * Coal quantity information will be reported on appropriate 
forms required under 30 CFR part 210--Forms and Reports.

PART 210--FORMS AND REPORTS

0
27. The authority citation for part 210 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301 et seq.; 25 U.S.C. 396, 2107; 30 U.S.C. 
189, 190, 359, 1023, 1751(a); 31 U.S.C. 3716, 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334, 
1801 et seq.; and 44 U.S.C. 3506(a).


0
28. Revise subparts A and B and add subparts C and D to read as 
follows:
Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
210.01 What is the purpose of this subpart?
210.02 To whom do these regulations apply?
210.10 What are the OMB-approved information collections?
210.20 What if I disagree with the burden hour estimates?
210.21 How do I report my taxpayer identification number?
210.30 What are my responsibilities as a reporter/payor?
210.40 Will MMS keep the information I provide confidential?
Subpart B--Royalty Reports--Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources
210.50 What is the purpose of this subpart?
210.51 Who must submit royalty reports?
210.52 What royalty reports must I submit?
210.53 When are my royalty reports and payments due?
210.54 Must I submit this royalty report electronically?
210.55 May I submit this royalty report manually?
210.56 Where can I find more information on how to complete the 
royalty report?
210.60 What definitions apply to this subpart?
Subpart C--Production Reports--Oil and Gas
210.100 What is the purpose of this subpart?
210.101 Who must submit production reports?
210.102 What production reports must I submit?
210.103 When are my production reports due?
210.104 Must I submit these production reports electronically?
210.105 May I submit these production reports manually?
210.106 Where can I find more information on how to complete these 
production reports?
Subpart D--Special-Purpose Forms and Reports--Oil, Gas, and Geothermal 
Resources
210.150 What is the purpose of this subpart?
210.151 What reports must I submit to claim an excess allowance?
210.152 What reports must I submit to claim allowances on an Indian 
lease?
210.153 What reports must I submit for Indian gas valuation 
purposes?
210.154 What documents or other information must I submit for 
Federal oil valuation purposes?
210.155 What reports must I submit for Federal onshore stripper oil 
properties?
210.156 What reports must I submit for net profit share leases?
210.157 What reports must I submit to suspend an MMS order under 
appeal?
210.158 What reports must I submit to designate someone to make my 
royalty payments?

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  210.01  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    This subpart identifies information collections required by the 
Minerals Management Service (MMS), Minerals Revenue Management (MRM), 
in the normal course of operations. This information is submitted by 
various parties associated with Federal and Indian leases such as 
lessees, designees, and operators. The information collected meets the 
MMS congressionally mandated accounting and auditing responsibilities 
relating to Federal and Indian minerals revenue management. Information 
collected regarding production, royalties, and other payments due the 
Government from activities on leased Federal or Indian land is 
authorized by the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, 
as amended (30 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), as well as 43 U.S.C. 1334 and 30 
U.S.C. 189, 359, 396, and 396d for oil and gas production; and by 30 
U.S.C. 189, 359, 396, and 396d for solid minerals production.


Sec.  210.02  To whom do these regulations apply?

    The regulations apply to any person, referred to in this subpart as 
``you,'' ``your,'' or ``reporter/payor,'' who is a lessee under any 
Federal or Indian lease for any mineral or who is assigned or assumes 
an obligation to report data or make payment to MMS. The term reporter/
payor may include lessees, designees, operators, purchasers, reporters, 
other payors, and working interest owners, but is not restricted to 
these parties. This section does not affect the liability to pay and 
report royalties as established by other regulations, laws, and the 
lease terms.


Sec.  210.10  What are the OMB-approved information collections?

    The information collection requirements identified in this subpart 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Detailed information about each information 
collection request (ICR), including CFR citations, is included on the 
MMS Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/FRNotices.htm. The ICRs and associated MMS form numbers, if applicable, 
are listed below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   OMB control number and short title     Form or information collected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1010-0073, 30 CFR Part 220, Net Profit   No form for the following
 Share Payment.                           collection:
                                          Net profit share
                                          payment information.
1010-0087, 30 CFR Parts 227, 228, and    No forms for the following
 229, Delegation to States and            collections:
 Cooperative Activities with States and   Written delegation
 Indian Tribes.                           proposal to perform auditing
                                          and investigative activities.
                                          Request for
                                          cooperative agreement and
                                          subsequent requirements.
1010-0090, 30 CFR Part 216, Stripper     Form MMS-4377, Stripper Royalty
 Royalty Rate Reduction Notification.     Rate Reduction Notification.
1010-0103, 30 CFR Parts 202 and 206,     Form MMS-4109, Gas Processing
 Indian Oil and Gas Valuation.            Allowance Summary Report.
                                         Form MMS-4295, Gas
                                          Transportation Allowance
                                          Report.
                                         Form MMS-4110, Oil
                                          Transportation Allowance
                                          Report.
                                         Form MMS-4411, Safety Net
                                          Report.
                                         Form MMS-4410, Accounting for
                                          Comparison [Dual Accounting].
                                         Form MMS-4393, Request to
                                          Exceed Regulatory Allowance
                                          Limitation.\1\

[[Page 15893]]

 
1010-0107, 30 CFR Part 218, Collection   Form MMS-4425, Designation Form
 of Monies Due the Federal Government.    for Royalty Payment
                                          Responsibility.
                                         No forms for the following
                                          collections:
                                          Cross-lease netting
                                          documentation.
                                          Indian recoupment
                                          approval.
1010-0119, 30 CFR Part 208, Royalty in   Form MMS-4070, Application for
 Kind (RIK) Oil and Gas.                  the Purchase of Royalty Oil.
                                         Form MMS-4071, Letter of Credit
                                          (RIK).
                                         Form MMS-4072, Royalty-in-Kind
                                          Contract Surety Bond.
                                         No form for the following
                                          collection:
                                          Royalty oil sales to
                                          eligible refiners.
1010-0120, 30 CFR Parts 202, 206, 210,   Form MMS 4430, Solid Minerals
 212, 217, and 218, Solid Minerals and    Production and Royalty Report.
 Geothermal Collections.                 Form 4292, Coal Washing
                                          Allowance Report.
                                         Form 4293, Coal Transportation
                                          Allowance Report.
                                         No forms for the following
                                          collections:
                                          Facility data--solid
                                          minerals.
                                          Sales contracts--solid
                                          minerals.
                                          Sales summaries--solid
                                          minerals.
1010-0122, 30 CFR Part 243, Suspensions  Form MMS-4435, Administrative
 Pending Appeal and Bonding.              Appeal Bond.
                                         Form MMS-4436, Letter of
                                          Credit.
                                         Form MMS-4437, Assignment of
                                          Certificate of Deposit.
                                         No forms for the following
                                          collections:
                                          Self bonding.
                                          U.S. Treasury
                                          securities.
1010-0136, 30 CFR Parts 202 and 206,     Form MMS-4393, Request to
 Federal Oil and Gas Valuation.           Exceed Regulatory Allowance
                                          Limitation.\1\
                                         No form for the following
                                          collection:
                                          Federal oil valuation
                                          support information.
1010-0139, 30 CFR Parts 210 and 216,     Form MMS-4054, Oil and Gas
 Production Accounting.                   Operations Report.
                                         Form MMS-4058 (Parts A, B, and
                                          C), Production Allocation
                                          Schedule Report.
1010-0140, 30 CFR Part 210, Forms and    Form MMS-2014, Report of Sales
 Reports.                                 and Royalty Remittance.
1010-0155, 30 CFR Part 204,              No form for the following
 Alternatives for Marginal Properties.    collection:
                                          Notification and
                                          relief request for accounting
                                          and auditing relief.
1010-0162, CFO Act of 1992, Accounts     No form for the following
 Receivable Confirmations.                collection:
                                          Accounts receivable
                                          confirmations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Form MMS-4393 is used for both Federal and Indian oil and gas
  leases. The form resides with ICR 1010-0136, but the burden hours for
  Indian leases are included in ICR 1010-0103.

Sec.  210.20  What if I disagree with the burden hour estimates?

    Burden hour estimates are included on the MMS Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/FRNotices.htm. Send comments on 
the accuracy of these burden estimates or suggestions on reducing the 
burden to the Minerals Management Service, Attention: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer (OMB Control Number 1010-XXXX [insert 
appropriate OMB control number]), Mail Stop 4230, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.


Sec.  210.21  How do I report my taxpayer identification number?

    (a) Before paying or reporting to MMS, you must obtain a payor code 
(see the MMS Minerals Revenue Reporter Handbook, which is available on 
the Internet at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/PDFDocs/RevenueHandbook.pdf; also see Sec.  210.56 for further information on 
how to obtain a handbook). At the time you request a payor code, you 
must provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) by submitting:
    (1) An IRS Form W-9; or
    (2) An equivalent certification containing:
    (i) Your name;
    (ii) The name of your business, if different from your name;
    (iii) The form of your business entity; for example, a sole 
proprietorship, corporation, or partnership;
    (iv) The address of your business;
    (v) The EIN of your business; and
    (vi) A signed and dated certification that you are a U.S. citizen 
or resident alien and that the EIN number provided is correct.
    (b) If you are already paying or reporting to MMS but do not have 
an EIN, MMS may request that you submit an IRS Form W-9 or equivalent 
certification containing the information required under paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section.
    (c) The collection of this data is not subject to the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act because only information necessary to 
identify the respondent [5 CFR 1320.3(h)] is required.
    (d) The EIN you provide to MMS under paragraph (a) of this section:
    (1) Means the taxpayer identification number (TIN) of an individual 
or other person (whether or not an employer), which is assigned under 
26 U.S.C. 6011(b), or a corresponding version of prior law, or under 26 
U.S.C. 6109;
    (2) Must contain nine digits separated by a hyphen as follows: 00-
0000000; and
    (3) May not be a Social Security Number.


Sec.  210.30  What are my responsibilities as a reporter/payor?

    Each reporter/payor must submit accurate, complete, and timely 
information to MMS according to the requirements in this part. If you 
discover an error in a previous report, you must file an accurate and 
complete amended report within 30 days of your discovery of the error. 
If you do not comply, MMS may assess civil penalties under 30 CFR part 
241.

[[Page 15894]]

Sec.  210.40  Will MMS keep the information I provide confidential?

    The MMS will treat information obtained under this part as 
confidential to the extent permitted by law as specified at 43 CFR part 
2.

Subpart B--Royalty Reports--Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources


Sec.  210.50  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to explain royalty reporting 
requirements when energy and mineral resources are removed from Federal 
and Indian oil and gas and geothermal leases and federally approved 
agreements. This includes leases and agreements located onshore and on 
the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).


Sec.  210.51  Who must submit royalty reports?

    (a) Any person who pays royalty to MMS must submit royalty reports 
to MMS.
    (b) Before you pay or report to MMS, you must obtain a payor code. 
To obtain a payor code, refer to the MMS Minerals Revenue Reporter 
Handbook for instructions and MMS contact information (also see Sec.  
210.56 for information on how to obtain a handbook).


Sec.  210.52  What royalty reports must I submit?

    You must submit a completed Form MMS-2014, Report of Sales and 
Royalty Remittance, to MMS with:
    (a) All royalty payments; and
    (b) Rents on nonproducing leases, where specified in the lease.


Sec.  210.53  When are my royalty reports and payments due?

    (a) Completed Forms MMS-2014 for royalty payments and the 
associated payments are due by the end of the month following the 
production month (see also Sec.  218.50).
    (b) Completed Forms MMS-2014 for rental payments, where applicable, 
and the associated payments are due as specified by the lease terms 
(see also Sec.  218.50).
    (c) You may submit reports and payments early.


Sec.  210.54  Must I submit this royalty report electronically?

    (a) You must submit Form MMS-2014 electronically unless you qualify 
for an exception under Sec.  210.55(a).
    (b) You must use one of the following electronic media types, 
unless MMS instructs you differently:
    (1) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)--The direct computer-to-
computer interchange of data using standards set forth by the X12 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards 
Committee (ASC). The interchange uses the services of a third party 
with which either party may contract.
    (2) Web-based reporting--Reporters/payors may enter report data 
directly or upload files using the MMS electronic web form located at 
http://www.mrmreports.net. The uploaded files must be in one of the 
following formats: the American Standard Code for Information 
Interchange (ASCII) or Comma Separated Values (CSV) formats. External 
files created by the sender must be in the proprietary ASCII and CSV 
file layout formats defined by MMS. These external files can be 
generated from a reporter's system application.
    (c) Refer to our electronic reporting guidelines in the MMS 
Minerals Revenue Reporter Handbook, for the most current reporting 
options, instructions, and security measures. The handbook may be found 
on our Internet Web site or you may call your MMS customer service 
representative (see Sec.  210.56 for further information on how to 
obtain a handbook).


Sec.  210.55  May I submit this royalty report manually?

    (a) The MMS will allow you to submit Form MMS-2014 manually if:
    (1) You have never reported to MMS before. You have 3 months from 
the date your first report is due to begin reporting electronically;
    (2) You report only rent, minimum royalty, or other annual 
obligations on Form MMS-2014; or
    (3) You are a small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration, and you have no computer.
    (b) If you meet the qualifications under paragraph (a) of this 
section, you may submit your form manually to MMS by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 5810, Denver, Colorado 80217-
5810; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, Denver Federal Center, 
West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.56  Where can I find more information on how to complete the 
royalty report?

    (a) Specific guidance on how to prepare and submit Form MMS-2014 is 
contained in the MMS Minerals Revenue Reporter Handbook. The handbook 
is available on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Handbooks/Handbks.htm or from MMS at P.O. Box 5760, 
Denver, Colorado 80217-5760.
    (b) Reporters/payors should refer to the handbook for specific 
guidance on royalty reporting requirements. If you require additional 
information, you should contact MMS at the above address. A customer 
service telephone number is also listed in our handbook.
    (c) You may find Form MMS-2014 on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm, or you may 
request the form from MMS at P.O. Box 5760, Denver, Colorado 80217-
5760.


Sec.  210.60  What definitions apply to this subpart?

    Terms used in this subpart have the same meaning as in 30 U.S.C. 
1702.

Subpart C--Production Reports--Oil and Gas


Sec.  210.100  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The purpose of this subpart is to explain production reporting 
requirements when energy and mineral resources are removed from Federal 
and Indian oil and gas leases and federally approved agreements. This 
includes leases and unit and communitization agreements located onshore 
and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).


Sec.  210.101  Who must submit production reports?

    (a) If you operate a Federal or Indian oil and gas lease or 
federally approved unit or communitization agreement, you must submit 
production reports.
    (b) Before reporting production to MMS, you must obtain an operator 
number. To obtain an operator number, refer to the MMS Minerals 
Production Reporter Handbook for instructions and MMS contact 
information (also see Sec.  210.106 for information on how to obtain a 
handbook).


Sec.  210.102  What production reports must I submit?

    (a) Form MMS-4054, Oil and Gas Operations Report. If you operate a 
Federal or Indian onshore or OCS oil and gas lease or federally 
approved unit or communitization agreement that contains one or more 
wells that are not permanently plugged or abandoned, you must submit 
Form MMS-4054 to MMS:
    (1) You must submit Form MMS-4054 for each well for each calendar 
month, beginning with the month in which you complete drilling, unless:
    (i) You have only test production from a drilling well; or
    (ii) The MMS tells you in writing to report differently.

[[Page 15895]]

    (2) You must continue reporting until:
    (i) The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or MMS approves all wells 
as permanently plugged or abandoned or the lease or unit or 
communitization agreement is terminated; and
    (ii) You dispose of all inventory.
    (b) Form MMS-4058, Production Allocation Schedule Report. If you 
operate an offshore facility measurement point (FMP) handling 
production from a Federal oil and gas lease or federally approved unit 
agreement that is commingled (with approval) with production from any 
other source prior to measurement for royalty determination, you must 
file Form MMS-4058.
    (1) You must submit Form MMS-4058 for each calendar month beginning 
with the month in which you first handle production covered by this 
section.
    (2) Form MMS-4058 is not required whenever all of the following 
conditions are met:
    (i) All leases involved are Federal leases;
    (ii) All leases have the same fixed royalty rate;
    (iii) All leases are operated by the same operator;
    (iv) The facility measurement device is operated by the same person 
as the leases/agreements;
    (v) Production has not been previously measured for royalty 
determination; and
    (vi) The production is not subsequently commingled and measured for 
royalty determination at an FMP for which Form MMS-4058 is required 
under this part.


Sec.  210.103  When are my production reports due?

    (a) The MMS must receive your completed Forms MMS-4054 and MMS-4058 
by the 15th day of the second month following the month for which you 
are reporting.
    (b) A report is considered received when it is delivered to MMS by 
4 p.m. mountain time at the addresses specified in Sec.  210.105. 
Reports received after 4 p.m. mountain time are considered received the 
following business day.


Sec.  210.104  Must I submit these production reports electronically?

    (a) You must submit Forms MMS-4054 and MMS-4058 electronically 
unless you qualify for an exception under Sec.  210.105.
    (b) You must use one of the following electronic media types, 
unless MMS instructs you differently:
    (1) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)--The direct computer-to-
computer interchange of data using standards set forth by the X12 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards 
Committee (ASC). The interchange uses the services of a third party 
with which either party may contract.
    (2) Web-based reporting--Reporters/payors may enter report data 
directly or upload files using the MMS electronic Web form located at 
http://www.mrmreports.net. The uploaded files must be in one of the 
following formats: the American Standard Code for Information 
Interchange (ASCII) or Comma Separated Values (CSV) formats. External 
files created by the sender must be in the proprietary ASCII and CSV 
file layout formats defined by MMS. These external files can be 
generated from a reporter's system application.
    (c) Refer to our electronic reporting guidelines in the MMS 
Minerals Production Reporter Handbook for the most current reporting 
options, instructions, and security measures. The handbook may be found 
on our Internet Web site or you may call your MMS customer service 
representative (see Sec.  210.106 for further information on how to 
obtain a handbook).


Sec.  210.105  May I submit these production reports manually?

    (a) The MMS will allow you to submit Forms MMS-4054 and MMS-4058 
manually if:
    (1) You have never reported to MMS before. You have 3 months from 
the day your first report is due to begin reporting electronically; and
    (2) You are a small business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration, and you have no computer.
    (b) If you meet the qualifications under paragraph (a) of this 
section, you may submit your forms manually to MMS by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 17110, Denver, Colorado 80217-
0110; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, Denver Federal Center, 
West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.106  Where can I find more information on how to complete 
these production reports?

    (a) Specific guidance on how to prepare and submit production 
reports to MMS is contained in the MMS Minerals Production Reporter 
Handbook. The handbook is available on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Handbooks/Handbks.htm or from MMS at 
P.O. Box 17110, Denver, Colorado 80217-0110.
    (b) Production reporters should refer to the handbook for specific 
guidance on production reporting requirements. If you require 
additional information, you should contact MMS at the above address. A 
customer service telephone number is also listed in our handbook.
    (c) You may find Forms MMS-4054 and MMS-4058 on our Internet Web 
site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/PAASOff.htm, or 
you may request the forms from MMS at P.O. Box 17110, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0110.

Subpart D--Special-Purpose Forms and Reports--Oil, Gas, and 
Geothermal Resources


Sec.  210.150  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    This subpart identifies specific special-purpose reports and 
provides general information, reporting options, and reporting 
addresses. See Sec.  210.10 for a complete listing of all information 
collections, including forms and references for specific information 
collections.


Sec.  210.151  What reports must I submit to claim an excess allowance?

    (a) General. If you are a lessee, you must submit Form MMS-4393, 
Request to Exceed Regulatory Allowance Limitation, to request approval 
from MMS to exceed prescribed transportation and processing allowance 
limits on Federal oil and gas leases and prescribed transportation 
allowance limits on Indian oil and gas leases under part 206 of this 
chapter.
    (b) Reporting options. You may find Form MMS-4393 on our Web site 
at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm. You 
may also request the form from MMS at P.O. Box 25165, MS 392B2, Denver, 
Colorado 80217-0165.
    (c) Reporting address. Submit completed Form MMS-4393 as follows:
    (1) Complete and submit the form electronically as an e-mail 
attachment;
    (2) Send the form by U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail 
addressed to Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 392B2, 
Denver, Colorado 80217-0165; or
    (3) Deliver the form to MMS by special courier or overnight mail 
addressed to Minerals Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 
392B2, Denver Federal Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, 
Colorado 80225.

[[Page 15896]]

Sec.  210.152  What reports must I submit to claim allowances on an 
Indian lease?

    (a) General. You must submit three additional forms to MMS to claim 
transportation or processing allowances on Indian oil and gas leases:
    (1) You must submit Form MMS-4110, Oil Transportation Allowance 
Report, to claim an allowance for expenses incurred by a reporter/payor 
to transport oil from the lease site to a point remote from the lease 
where value is determined under Sec.  206.55 of this chapter.
    (2) You must submit Form MMS-4109, Gas Processing Allowance Summary 
Report, to claim an allowance for the reasonable, actual costs of 
removing hydrocarbon and nonhydrocarbon elements or compounds from a 
gas stream under Sec.  206.180 of this chapter.
    (3) You must submit Form MMS-4295, Gas Transportation Allowance 
Report, to claim an allowance for the reasonable, actual costs of 
transporting gas from the lease to the point of first sale under Sec.  
206.178 of this chapter.
    (b) Reporting options. You may submit Forms MMS-4110, MMS-4109, and 
MMS-4295 manually. You may find the forms on our Internet Web site at 
http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm, or you 
may request the forms from MMS at P.O. Box 25165, MS 396B2, Denver, 
Colorado 80217-0165.
    (c) Reporting address. You may submit completed Forms MMS-4110, 
MMS-4109, and MMS-4295 by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 396B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 396B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.153  What reports must I submit for Indian gas valuation 
purposes?

    (a) General. For Indian gas valuation, under certain conditions 
under Sec.  206.172 of this chapter, lessees must submit the following 
forms:
    (1) Form MMS-4410, Accounting for Comparison (Dual Accounting), 
Part A or Part B; and/or
    (2) Form MMS-4411, Safety Net Report.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit Forms MMS-4410 and MMS-4411 
manually. You may find the forms on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm or request 
forms from MMS at P.O. Box 25165, MS 396B2, Denver, Colorado 80217-
0165.
    (c) Reporting address. You must submit completed Forms MMS-4410 and 
MMS-4411 by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 396B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 396B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.154  What documents or other information must I submit for 
Federal oil valuation purposes?

    (a) General. The MMS may require you to submit documents or other 
information to MMS to support your valuation of Federal oil under part 
206 as part of audit compliance.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit the documents or other 
information manually.
    (c) Reporting address. You must submit required documents or other 
information by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 392B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 392B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.155  What reports must I submit for Federal onshore stripper 
oil properties?

    (a) General. Operators who have been granted a reduced royalty rate 
by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under 43 CFR 3103.4-2 must 
submit Form MMS-4377, Stripper Royalty Rate Reduction Notification, 
under 43 CFR 3103.4-2(b)(3).
    (b) Reporting options. You may find Form MMS-4377 on our Internet 
Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm or request the form from MMS at P.O. Box 17110, Denver, 
Colorado 80217-0110. You may file the form:
    (1) Electronically by filling the form out in electronic format and 
submitting it to MMS as an e-mail attachment; or
    (2) Manually by filling out the form and submitting it by:
    (i) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 392B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (ii) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 392B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.156  What reports must I submit for net profit share leases?

    (a) General. After entering into a net profit share lease (NPSL) 
agreement, a lessee must report under part 220 of this chapter.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit the required report 
manually.
    (c) Reporting address. You must submit the required documents by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 382B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 382B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.


Sec.  210.157  What reports must I submit to suspend an MMS order under 
appeal?

    (a) General. Reporters/payors or other recipients of MMS Minerals 
Revenue Management (MRM) orders who appeal an order may be required to 
post a bond or other surety, under part 243 of this chapter. The MMS 
accepts the following surety types: Form MMS-4435, Administrative 
Appeal Bond; Form MMS-4436, Letter of Credit; Form MMS-4437, Assignment 
of Certificate of Deposit; Self-bonding; and U.S. Treasury Securities.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit these forms and other 
documents manually. You may find the forms and other documents under 
Surety Instrument Posting Instructions on our Internet Web site at 
http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Law_R_D/FRNotices/ICR0122.htm.
    (c) Reporting address. You may submit the required forms and other 
documents as specified in the Surety Instrument Posting Instructions or 
by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 370B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165;
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 370B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.

[[Page 15897]]

Sec.  210.158  What reports must I submit to designate someone to make 
my royalty payments?

    (a) General. You must submit Form MMS-4425, Designation Form for 
Royalty Payment Responsibility, if you want to designate a person to 
make royalty payments on your behalf under Sec.  218.52.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit Form MMS-4425 manually. You 
may find the form on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSOil_Gas.htm or request the form from MMS at 
P.O. Box 5760, Denver, Colorado 80217-5760.
    (c) Reporting address. You must submit completed Form MMS-4425 by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 357B1, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 357B1, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.

Subpart E--Production and Royalty Reports--Solid Minerals

0
29. Revise the heading of subpart E to read as set forth above.


Sec. Sec.  210.205 and 210.206  [Redesignated as Sec. Sec.  210.206 and 
210.207]

0
30. Redesignate Sec. Sec.  210.205 and 210.206 as Sec. Sec.  210.206 
and 210.207.

0
31. Add new Sec.  210.205 to read as follows:


Sec.  210.205  What reports must I submit to claim allowances on Indian 
coal leases?

    General. You must submit the following MMS forms to claim a 
transportation or washing allowance, as applicable, on Indian coal 
leases:
    (1) Form MMS-4292, Coal Washing Allowance Report, to claim an 
allowance for the reasonable, actual costs incurred to wash coal under 
Sec.  206.458 of this chapter.
    (2) Form MMS-4293, Coal Transportation Allowance Report, to claim 
an allowance for the reasonable, actual costs of transporting coal to a 
sales point or a washing facility remote from the mine or lease under 
Sec.  206.461 of this chapter.
    (b) Reporting options. You must submit the forms manually. You may 
find the forms on our Internet Web site at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/ReportingServices/Forms/AFSSol_Min.htm or request forms from MMS at 
P.O. Box 25165, MS 390B2, Denver, Colorado 80217-0165.
    (c) Reporting address. You must submit completed Forms MMS-4292 and 
MMS-4293 by:
    (1) U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail addressed to 
Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box 25165, MS 390B2, Denver, Colorado 
80217-0165; or
    (2) Special courier or overnight mail addressed to Minerals 
Management Service, Building 85, Room A-614, MS 390B2, Denver Federal 
Center, West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225.

PART 216--[REMOVED]

0
32. Remove part 216.

PART 218--COLLECTION OF MONIES AND PROVISION FOR GEOTHERMAL CREDITS 
AND INCENTIVES

0
33. Revise the heading of part 218 to read as set forth above.

0
34. The authority citation for part 218 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396 et seq., 396a et seq., 2101 et seq.; 30 
U.S.C. 181 et seq., 351 et seq., 1001 et seq., 1701 et seq.; 31 
U.S.C. 3335; 43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq., 1331 et seq., and 1801 et seq.

Subpart A--General Provisions

0
35. Amend Sec.  218.40 by revising paragraphs (a) through (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  218.40  Assessments for incorrect or late reports and failure to 
report.

    (a) An assessment of an amount not to exceed $10 per day may be 
charged for each report not received by MMS by the designated due date 
for geothermal, solid minerals, and Indian oil and gas leases.
    (b) An assessment of an amount not to exceed $10 per day may be 
charged for each incorrectly completed report for geothermal, solid 
minerals, and Indian oil and gas leases.
    (c) For purpose of assessments discussed in this section, a report 
is defined as follows:
    (1) For coal and other solid minerals leases, a report is each line 
on Form MMS-4430, Solid Minerals Production and Royalty Report; or on 
Form MMS-2014, Report of Sales and Royalty Remittance, as appropriate.
    (2) For Indian oil and gas and all geothermal leases, a report is 
each line on Form MMS-2014.
* * * * *
0
36. Amend Sec.  218.41 by revising paragraphs (a) through (e) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  218.41  Assessments for failure to submit payment of same amount 
indicated on Form MMS-2014, Form MMS-4430, or a bill document; or to 
provide adequate information.

    (a) The MMS may assess an amount not to exceed $250 when the amount 
of a payment submitted by a reporter/payor for geothermal, solid 
minerals, and Indian oil and gas leases is not equivalent in amount to 
the total of individual line items on the associated Form MMS-2014, 
Form MMS-4430, or a bill document, unless MMS has authorized the 
difference in amount.
    (b) The MMS may assess an amount not to exceed $250 for each 
payment for geothermal, solid minerals, and Indian oil and gas leases 
submitted by a reporter/payor that cannot be automatically applied to 
the associated Form MMS-2014, Form MMS-4430, or a bill document because 
of inadequate or erroneous information submitted by the reporter/payor.
    (c) For purposes of this section, inadequate or erroneous 
information is defined as:
    (1) Absent or incorrect payor-assigned document number, required to 
be identified by the reporter/payor in Block 4 on Form MMS-2014 
(document 4 number), or the reuse of the same incorrect payor-assigned 
document 4 number in a subsequent reporting period.
    (2) Absent or incorrect bill document invoice number (to include 
the three-character alpha prefix and the nine-digit number) or the 
payor-assigned document 4 number required to be identified by the 
reporter/payor on the associated payment document, or the reuse of the 
same incorrect payor-assigned document 4 number in a subsequent 
reporting period.
    (3) Absent or incorrect name of the administering Bureau of Indian 
Affairs Agency/Area office; or the word ``allotted'' or the tribe name 
on payment documents remitted to MMS for an Indian tribe or allottee. 
If the payment is made by EFT, the reporter/payor must identify the 
tribe/allottee on the EFT message by a pre-established five-digit code.
    (4) Absent or incorrect MMS-assigned payor code on a payment 
document.
    (5) Absent or incorrect identification on a payment document.
    (d) For purposes of this section, the term ``Form MMS-2014'' 
includes submission of reports of royalty information, such as Form 
MMS-4430.
    (e) For purposes of this section, a bill document is defined as any 
invoice that MMS has issued for assessments, late-payment interest 
charges, or other amount owed. A payment document is

[[Page 15898]]

defined as a check or wire transfer message.
* * * * *

Subpart B--Oil and Gas, General

0
37. Amend Sec.  218.50 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  218.50  Timing of payment.

* * * * *
    (b) Invoices will be issued and payable as final collection 
actions. Payments made on an invoice are due as specified by the 
invoice.
* * * * *

0
38. Amend Sec.  218.51 by revising the definition of ``Invoice Document 
Identification'' in paragraph (a) and revising paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  218.51  How to make payments.

    (a) * * *
    Invoice Document Identification--The MMS-assigned invoice document 
identification (three-alpha and nine-numeric characters).
* * * * *
    (f) * * * (1) For Form MMS-2014 payments, you must include both 
your payor code and your payor-assigned document number.
    (2) For invoice payments, including RIK invoice payments, you must 
include both your payor code and invoice document identification.
* * * * *

0
39. Amend Sec.  218.52 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(a)(1), (a)(4)(i) and (c) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  218.52  How does a lessee designate a Designee?

    (a) If you are a lessee under 30 U.S.C. 1702(7), and you want to 
designate a person to make all or part of the payments due under a 
lease on your behalf under 30 U.S.C. 1712(a), you must notify MMS or 
the applicable delegated state in writing of such designation by 
submitting Form MMS-4425, Designation Form for Royalty Payment 
Responsibility. Your notification for each lease must include the 
following:
    (1) The lease number for the lease;
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) A lessee of record (record title owner) in the lease; or
* * * * *
    (c) If you want to terminate a designation you made under paragraph 
(a) of this section, you must submit a revised Form MMS-4425 before the 
termination stating:
* * * * *


Sec.  218.57  [Removed]

0
40. Remove Sec.  218.57.

Subpart D--Oil, Gas and Sulfur Offshore


Sec.  218.154  [Amended]

0
41. Amend Sec.  218.154, paragraph (c), by removing the words 
``paragraph (a) of this section'' and adding in their place the words 
``paragraph (b) of this section.''
0
42. Amend Sec.  218.155, paragraph (b)(2), by revising the fourth and 
fifth sentences to read as follows:


Sec.  218.155  Method of payment.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * * The one-fifth bonus amounts submitted with bids other 
than the highest valid bid will be returned to respective bidders after 
bids are opened, recorded, and ranked. Return of such amounts will not 
affect the status, validity, or ranking of bids. * * *
* * * * *

PART 227--DELEGATION TO STATES

0
43. Amend Sec.  227.401(f) by revising to read as follows:


Sec.  227.401  What are a state's responsibilities if it processes 
production reports or royalty reports?

* * * * *
    (f) For production reports, maintain adequate system software edits 
to ensure compliance with the provisions of 30 CFR part 210--Forms and 
Reports, the MMS Minerals Production Reporter Handbook, any interagency 
memorandum of understanding to which MMS is a party, and the Standards;
* * * * *
 [FR Doc. E8-5929 Filed 3-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P