BLM Internet-Based Auctions, 59902-59906 [2016-20943]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Land Management

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59902-59906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20943]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Parts 3100, 3110, and 3120

[16X.LLWO310000.L13100000.PP0000]
RIN 1004-AE48


BLM Internet-Based Auctions

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This procedural rule amends certain provisions of the oil and 
gas regulations administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to 
recognize that the BLM is authorized to use either oral or internet-
based auction procedures to conduct oil and gas lease sales under the 
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (MLA). The changes made by this 
rule update the BLM's regulations to be consistent with the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (NDAA), which 
specifically granted the BLM the authority to use internet-based 
bidding for its competitive oil and gas lease sales.

DATES: This rule is effective on August 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on technical issues, 
contact Jully McQuilliams, Senior Mineral Leasing Specialist, by 
telephone at 202-912-7156, or by email to jmcquilliams@blm.gov. For 
regulatory questions, contact Jennifer Noe, Division of Regulatory 
Affairs, by telephone at 202-912-7442, or by email to jnoe@blm.gov. 
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call 
the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339 to contact 
the above individuals during normal business hours. FIRS is available 
24 hours a day, 7 days a week to leave a message or question with the 
above individuals. You will receive a reply during normal business 
hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    This rule makes minor amendments to the BLM regulations governing 
onshore oil and gas lease sales to make them consistent with existing 
statutory authority that allows the BLM to use either oral or internet-
based auction procedures.
    The MLA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease federally 
owned deposits of oil and gas and the lands containing those deposits 
in the manner provided for in the Act. 30 U.S.C. 181-287. The Secretary 
has delegated responsibility for implementing that authority to the 
BLM. Prior to 2015, the BLM was authorized to conduct oil and gas lease 
sales using only oral auction methods. See 30 U.S.C. 226(b)(1) (``Lease 
sales shall be conducted by oral bidding.''). As a result, the BLM's 
implementing regulations governing lease sales in 43 CFR parts 3100, 
3110, and 3120, reference only oral auctions or oral bidding. See e.g., 
43 CFR 3120.1-2, 3120.5-1. Under these regulations, parties interested 
in obtaining a Federal oil or gas lease were required to travel to the 
physical location of a BLM auction (normally the BLM State Office where 
the parcels being offered were located) in order to participate in 
person in the oral auction for the parcels being offered. Generally 
speaking, those sales were conducted by a BLM-contracted auctioneer who 
facilitated the auction in an escalating bid sequential manner. The 
lease sale would start with the auctioneer stating the minimum bid. 
Interested bidders would increase their bids until the highest bidder 
for each parcel prevailed and was ultimately awarded the parcel. See 30 
U.S.C. 226(b)(1)(A); 43 CFR 3120.5-3(b).
    Recognizing the costs associated with holding in-person oil and gas 
lease sales and the opportunities for increased efficiency provided by 
an internet-based system, Congress, in 2008, directed the Secretary of 
the Interior, through the BLM, to conduct an oil and gas leasing 
internet pilot program. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Public 
Law 110-161, Sec. 117, 121 Stat. 2120 (2007). Accordingly, the BLM 
conducted an internet-based auction pilot in 2009, offering parcels 
located on BLM-managed lands in Colorado to test the feasibility of 
internet-based lease sales. The purpose of the pilot was to evaluate 
the potential costs and benefits to the Federal Government and lease 
sale participants from using such a system. For this pilot, the BLM 
relied on a system that had been developed by a private entity.
    As outlined in a subsequent report to Congress submitted in 
February 2012, which presented the results of the 2009 internet-based 
auction pilot, the BLM found that transitioning to internet-based lease 
sales would have immediate

[[Page 59903]]

cost savings and other benefits. Report to Congress, Results of the 
Internet Oil and Gas Auction Pilot and Recommendation on How to 
Implement the Program in Fiscal Year 2011 (Dep't of the Interior, Feb. 
21, 2012) (Internet Leasing Report). The BLM prepared the report in 
response to a congressional request. See Senate Report 111-38, 
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Bill, 2010 (July 7, 2009). Almost double the number of 
bidders participated in the internet-based pilot sale as compared to 
the number that typically participate at an in-person lease sale hosted 
by the BLM Colorado State Office. In the Internet Leasing Report, the 
BLM estimated that greater competition among bidders has the potential 
to increase competitive bonuses by about one percent (approximately $2 
million per year in aggregate), (Internet Leasing Report). However, it 
should be noted that, in addition to the number of bidders, bonus bids 
are also affected by broader market conditions, and therefore the 
transition to internet-based leasing could have an even larger impact 
on auction proceeds. In addition to increased revenues, a shift to 
internet-based sales would also help reduce the BLM's administrative 
costs associated with holding a lease sale, and reduce the risk of 
weather-related or other logistical disruptions in lease sales.
    As a result of this auction pilot, the Secretary recommended in his 
report that Congress amend the MLA to allow the BLM maximum discretion 
to use either in-person or internet-based procedures to conduct 
competitive lease sales for BLM-managed onshore oil and gas resources. 
Id. Notably, since the 2009 BLM internet-based auction pilot, many 
state governments' oil and gas lease sales have moved entirely to 
online sales, including states with significant oil and gas resources, 
such as Colorado, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
    Consistent with the Secretary's recommendations, in the NDAA, 
Congress amended the MLA at 30 U.S.C. 226(b)(1) to authorize the 
Secretary of the Interior to ``conduct onshore lease sales through 
Internet-based bidding methods.'' See Public Law 113-291, Sec. 3022(a), 
128 Stat. 3762 (2014). The NDAA adds a new paragraph to section 
226(b)(1), which provides: ``In order to diversify and expand the 
Nation's onshore leasing program to ensure the best return to the 
Federal taxpayer, reduce fraud, and secure the leasing process, the 
Secretary may conduct onshore lease sales through Internet-based 
bidding methods. Each individual Internet-based lease sale shall 
conclude within 7 days.''
    The NDAA does not modify parcel selection, bidder eligibility, 
auction style, or payment requirements, which will continue to apply 
regardless of the method selected by the BLM to conduct a particular 
oil and gas lease sale. The BLM will also continue to award leases to 
the highest responsible qualified bidder at its competitive auctions, 
pursuant to the MLA. Consistent with existing regulations at 43 CFR 
subpart 3110, if a parcel offered for sale does not sell at a 
competitive auction, it will be available on a noncompetitive basis in 
the BLM State Offices with jurisdiction over the areas where the 
parcels are located for the period of time set forth in the 
regulations.

II. Explanation of Amendments

    The BLM has determined that this procedural rule is necessary 
because the BLM's existing regulations refer only to oral auction or 
oral bidding, even though the BLM is statutorily authorized to use 
either oral or internet-based auction procedures to conduct its oil and 
gas lease sales. To implement the new authority provided by the NDAA, 
this rule amends 43 CFR subparts 3100, 3110, and 3120 to add the phrase 
``or internet-based'' after every reference to ``oral'' auctions or 
bidding. Specific changes are made to the following provisions: 43 CFR 
3103.3-2, 3110.1, 3110.2, 3120.1-2, 3120.3-7, 3120.5-1, 3120.5-2, 
3120.5-3, and 3120.6.
    This rule does not make any other changes to the regulations in 43 
CFR chapter II. It does not change the parcel selection, bidder 
eligibility, auction style, or payment requirements for the BLM's 
competitive oil and gas lease sales. This rule merely makes minor 
technical amendments that give the BLM the option to conduct lease 
sales either in person or over the internet consistent with applicable 
statutory authority.

III. Procedural Matters

A. Administrative Procedure Act

    As explained in the Background Section of this Preamble, this rule 
makes minor, non-substantive, technical amendments to the BLM's rules 
governing oil and gas lease sales. These changes involve agency 
organization, procedure or practice, and do not create rights or impose 
obligations on members of the public. As a result, under section 
553(b)(3)(A) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(A), this rule may be published without notice and comment 
procedures. Because the rule relates solely to agency procedure and 
practice and merely restates the terms of the statute it implements, it 
is not substantive, and therefore is also not subject to the 30-day 
delayed effective date for substantive rules under section 553(d) of 
the APA. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). This rule is therefore effective immediately 
upon publication in the Federal Register.
    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has 
emphasized that the ``critical feature'' of a rule that satisfies the 
so-called procedural exception to the APA's notice-and-comment 
requirements is that the rule ``covers agency actions that do not 
themselves alter the rights or interests of parties, although it may 
alter the manner in which the parties present themselves or their 
viewpoints to the agency.'' James V. Hurson Assoc. v. Glickman, 229 
F.3d 277, 280 (D.C. Cir. 2000) (quoting JEM Broad Co. v. FCC, 22 F.3d 
320, 326 (D.C. Cir. 1994)). The court held in Hurson that a U.S. 
Department of Agriculture rule eliminating face-to-face meetings to 
approve food labels was within the APA's procedural exception because 
the rule did not alter the substantive standards by which the agency 
would approve or deny proposed labels; it simply changed the procedures 
the agency would follow in applying those standards. Similarly, this 
BLM rule adding a reference to internet-based auctions merely alters 
the manner in which parties may present themselves to the BLM; nothing 
in this rule alters either the substantive criteria by which a party is 
eligible to participate in a BLM oil and gas lease sale or the 
requirements for obtaining a Federal oil and gas lease. Therefore, the 
rule fits squarely within the procedural rule exemption. See also Nat'l 
Whistleblower Ctr. v. Nuclear Regulatory Comm'n, 208 F.3d 256, 262 
(D.C. Cir. 2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 1070 (2001).
    Moreover, when a rule merely restates the statute it implements, 
APA notice-and-comment procedures are unnecessary. See Komjathy v. 
Nat'l Transp. Safety Bd., 832 F.2d 1294 (D.C. Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 
486 U.S. 1057 (1988). Here, the BLM's amendments to 43 CFR parts 3100, 
3110 and 3120 do no more than restate the relevant language of the MLA 
in 30 U.S.C. 226(b)(1), as amended, authorizing BLM to conduct onshore 
lease sales through internet-based bidding methods.

B. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    While Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 does not apply to 
``(r)egulations or rules

[[Page 59904]]

that are limited to agency organization, management, or personnel 
matters,'' it does not exempt those rules that describe the procedure 
or practice requirements of an agency. E.O. 12866, Sec. 3(d). The E.O. 
provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) 
will review all significant rules. Because this rule does not meet any 
of the standards for a significant regulatory action in E.O. 12866, 
this rule is not significant for purposes of the E.O. See E.O. 12866, 
Sec. 3(f).
    E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866, while calling 
for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory 
objectives. This E.O. directs agencies to consider regulatory 
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of 
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, 
and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes 
further that regulations must be based on the best available science 
and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and 
an open exchange of ideas, where appropriate. The BLM developed this 
rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires an agency to prepare 
a regulatory flexibility analysis for rules unless the agency certifies 
that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. However, the RFA applies only to 
rules for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. 
See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). Because no notice of proposed 
rulemaking is required, the RFA does not require an initial or final 
regulatory flexibility analysis of this rule.

D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2) of the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more.
    (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, Indian, or local 
government agencies or geographic regions.
    (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises.
    This rule merely makes procedural changes involving agency 
organization, procedure, or practice, by adding the option, consistent 
with applicable statutory authority, for the BLM to use internet-based 
bidding in addition to oral auctions for its competitive oil and gas 
lease sales.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq., agencies must prepare a written statement about benefits and 
costs prior to issuing a proposed or final rule that may result in 
aggregate expenditures by State, local, and tribal governments or by 
the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. 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. 
This rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, 
or tribal governments or the private sector. Since this rule is not an 
unfunded mandate, the BLM is not required to provide a statement 
containing the information that the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
requires.

F. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in section 2 of E.O. 12630, this rule does not 
have any significant takings implications. This rule will not impose 
conditions or limitations on the use of any private property. 
Therefore, this rule does not require a Takings Implication Assessment.

G. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of E.O. 13132, this rule does not 
have Federalism implications that warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism summary impact statement. The management of Federal mineral 
leases is the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior. This 
rule does not impose administrative costs on States or local 
governments. This rule also does not substantially and directly affect 
the relationship between the Federal and State governments. Because 
this rule does not alter that relationship, this rule does not require 
a Federalism summary impact statement.

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

    This rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    a. Meets the criteria of section 3(a), which requires that agencies 
review all regulations to eliminate errors and ambiguity and write them 
to minimize litigation.
    b. Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2), which requires that 
agencies write all regulations in clear language using clear legal 
standards.

I. Consultation With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. 13175)

    Under E.O. 13175, the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951, May 4, 1994), the Department of the 
Interior (DOI) Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes (Dec. 1, 
2011), and the DOI Departmental Manual, part 512, section 2, the BLM 
evaluated possible effects of the rule on Federally recognized Indian 
tribes. The DOI strives to strengthen its government-to-government 
relationship with Indian tribes through a commitment to consultation 
with Indian tribes and recognition of their right to self-governance 
and tribal sovereignty. The BLM determined that this rule has no tribal 
implications because the BLM does not conduct oil and gas lease sales 
for Indian tribal, corporate, or allotted lands. Thus, Indian tribal 
governments are not impacted by the changes made by this rule, and 
consultation is not required.

J. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This rule will modify 43 CFR 3103.3-2, 3110.1, 3110.2, 3120.1-2, 
3120.3-7, 3120.5-1, 3120.5-2, 3120.5-3, and 3120.6 to recognize that 
the BLM is statutorily authorized to use either oral or internet-based 
auctions to conduct its oil and gas lease sales. None of these 
regulations has required an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
control number in the past, nor do they require an OMB control number 
as revised. They are within 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1), which provides an 
exception from Paperwork Reduction Act requirements for affirmations, 
certifications, or acknowledgements as long as they entail no burden 
other than that necessary to identify the respondent, the date, the 
respondent's address, and the nature of the instrument. This rule does 
not contain any new information collection requirements, and therefore, 
does not require a submission to the OMB under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act.

K. National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule is procedural in nature; therefore, it qualifies for 
categorical exclusion under 43 CFR 46.210(i). As a result, a detailed 
statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is 
not required. The BLM

[[Page 59905]]

has also determined that this rule does not involve any of the 
extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would require 
further analysis under NEPA, even though a categorical exclusion 
exists. Moreover, this rule does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, as the 
procedural changes resulting from these amendments will have no effect 
on the physical environment. The rule only expands the methods the BLM 
may use to conduct an oil and gas leases sale; it does not modify the 
standards or requirements the BLM applies when deciding to offer a 
particular parcel for lease.

L. Effects on the Nation's Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    Under E.O. 13211, agencies are required to prepare and submit to 
OMB a Statement of Energy Effects for significant energy actions. This 
Statement must include a detailed statement of ``any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use (including a shortfall in supply, 
price increases, and increased use of foreign supplies)'' for the 
action, and reasonable alternatives and their effects. Section 4(b) of 
E.O. 13211 defines a ``significant energy action'' as ``any action by 
an agency (normally published in the Federal Register) that promulgates 
or is expected to lead to the promulgation of a final rule or 
regulation, including notices of inquiry, advance notices of proposed 
rulemaking, and notices of proposed rulemaking: (1)(i) That is a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 or any 
successor order, and (ii) is likely to have a significant adverse 
effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy; or (2) that is 
designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy 
action.'' This rule will not have any adverse effects on energy supply, 
distribution, or use and is therefore not a significant energy action 
under the definition in E.O. 13211, and, therefore, a Statement of 
Energy Effects is not required.

List of Subjects

43 CFR Part 3100

    Government contracts, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas reserves, 
Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3110

    Government contracts, Oil and gas exploration, Public lands--
mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3120

    Government contracts, Oil and gas exploration, Public lands--
mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the BLM amends 43 CFR 
parts 3100, 3110, and 3120 as follows:

PART 3100--OIL AND GAS LEASING

0
1. The authority citation for part 3100 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189 and 359; 43 U.S.C. 1732(b), 1733, and 
1740; the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58); and the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Pub. L. 
113-291, 128 Stat. 3762).

Subpart 3103--Fees, Rentals and Royalty

0
2. In Sec.  3103.3-2, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  3103.3-2  Minimum royalties.

    (a) * * *
    (2) On leases issued from offers filed after December 22, 1987, and 
on competitive leases issued from successful bids placed at oral or 
internet-based auctions conducted after December 22, 1987, a minimum 
royalty in lieu of rental of not less than the amount of rental which 
otherwise would be required for that lease year.
* * * * *

PART 3110--NONCOMPETITIVE LEASES

0
3. The authority citation for part 3110 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq. and 
351-359; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; Pub. L. 97-35 Stat. 
357; and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 
(Pub. L. 113-291, 128 Stat. 3762).

Subpart 3110--Noncompetitive Leases

0
4. In Sec.  3110.1, revise the second sentence of paragraph (b) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  3110.1  Lands available for noncompetitive offer and lease.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * Such lands shall become available for a period of 2 years 
beginning on the first business day following the last day of the 
competitive oral or internet-based auction, or when formal nominations 
have been requested as specified in Sec.  3120.3-1 of this title, or 
the first business day following the posting of the Notice of 
Competitive Lease Sale, and ending on that same day 2 years later. * * 
*

0
5. In Sec.  3110.2, revise the first sentence of paragraph (a) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  3110.2  Priority.

    (a) Offers filed for lands available for noncompetitive offer or 
lease, as specified in Sec. Sec.  3110.1(a)(1) and 3110.1(b) of this 
title, shall receive priority as of the date and time of filing as 
specified in Sec.  1821.2-3(a) of this title, except that all 
noncompetitive offers shall be considered simultaneously filed if 
received in the proper BLM office any time during the first business 
day following the last day of the competitive oral or internet-based 
auction, or when formal nominations have been requested as specified in 
Sec.  3120.3-1 of this title, on the first business day following the 
posting of the Notice of Competitive Lease Sale. * * *
* * * * *

PART 3120--COMPETITIVE LEASES

0
6. The authority citation for part 3120 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq. and 
351-359; 40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; the Attorney 
General's Opinion of April 2, 1941 (40 Op. Atty. Gen. 41); and the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Pub. L. 
113-291, 128 Stat. 3762).

Subpart 3120--Competitive Leases

0
7. In Sec.  3120.1-2, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.1-2  Requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) Lease sales shall be conducted by a competitive oral or 
internet-based bidding process.
* * * * *

0
8. Revise Sec.  3120.3-7 to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.3-7  Refund.

    The minimum bid, first year's rental and administrative fee shall 
be refunded to all nominators who are unsuccessful at the oral or 
internet-based auction.

0
9. Amend Sec.  3120.5-1 by revising the section heading;, the first 
sentence of paragraph (a), the first sentence of paragraph (b), and 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.5-1  Oral or Internet-based auction.

    (a) Parcels shall be offered by oral or internet-based bidding. * * 
*
    (b) A winning bid shall be the highest oral or internet-based bid 
by a qualified bidder, equal to or exceeding the national minimum 
acceptable bid. * * *
    (c) Two or more nominations on the same parcel when the bids are 
equal to

[[Page 59906]]

the national minimum acceptable bid, with no higher oral or internet-
based bid being made, shall be returned with all moneys refunded. If 
the Bureau reoffers the parcel, it shall be reoffered only 
competitively under this subpart with any noncompetitive offer filed 
under Sec.  3110.1(a) of this title retaining priority, provided no bid 
is received at an oral or internet-based auction.

0
10. In Sec.  3120.5-2, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.5-2  Payments required.

* * * * *
    (c) The winning bidder shall submit the balance of the bonus bid to 
the proper BLM office within 10 working days after the last day of the 
oral or internet-based auction.

0
11. In Sec.  3120.5-3, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.5-3  Award of lease.

* * * * *
    (c) If a bid is rejected, the land shall be reoffered competitively 
under this subpart with any noncompetitive offer filed under Sec.  
3110.1(a) of this title retaining priority, provided no bid is received 
in an oral or internet-based auction.
* * * * *

0
 12. Revise Sec.  3120.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  3120.6  Parcels not bid on at auction.

    Lands offered at the oral or internet-based auction that received 
no bids shall be available for filing for noncompetitive lease for a 2-
year period beginning the first business day following the auction at a 
time specified in the Notice of Competitive Lease Sale.

    Dated: August 24, 2016.
Amanda C. Leiter,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
[FR Doc. 2016-20943 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-84-P