    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [August 13, 1996]
    [Pages 1293-1294]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and
    Fairness Act of 1996
    August 13, 1996

        I have today signed into law H.R. 1975, the ``Federal Oil and Gas
    Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1996.'' This legislation will
    provide new tools to further improve and streamline the Federal royalty
    program.
        My Administration has worked cooperatively with the Congress,
    governors, and industry to develop legislation that would achieve
    certainty, equity, and simplicity in the royalty management program.
    These are the same goals we are striving for in our efforts to reinvent
    Government.
        This legislation establishes certainty with a 7-year statute of
    limitations for all royalty collections. It establishes equity by
    requiring payment of interest to companies on overpayments to the
    Government and by allowing the refund of overpayments to all Federal
    leaseholders. Fi-

    [[Page 1294]]

    nally, it encourages simplicity in the royalty management program.
        My Administration fully supports finding new ways for the States to
    work cooperatively and creatively with the Federal Government to provide
    superior service to the citizens of the United States. I believe we can
    help achieve that goal with this legislation, which expands the list of
    royalty-program activities that may be delegated to States, and provides
    certainty with respect to expeditious Federal action when States seek
    additional authority to help administer the program.
        In signing H.R. 1975, I do so with the understanding that the
    congressional leadership has pledged to pass subsequent legislation
    making necessary technical corrections.
        I am grateful for the bipartisan effort of the Congress in working
    with my Administration to develop this legislation. I believe this is an
    example of what we can do working together for the benefit of the
    American public, the States, and the energy industry.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    August 13, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 1975, approved August 13, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    185.