S. 1931 would amend the Mineral Leasing Act to ensure that development of certain Federal oil and gas resources will occur in a manner that protects water resources and respects the rights of surface owners.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
(Log inSurface Owner Protection Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to editrequire an operator producing oil or gas (including coalbed methane) under a federal lease to: (1) replace the wikiwater supply of a water user who obtains all or part of it from an underground or surface source affected by contamination, diminution, or interruption proximately resulting from such drilling operations; and be(2) comply with federal and state law governing discharge of water produced under the firstlease.

Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing exploration and drilling operations on land with respect to providewhich title to oil and gas resources is held by the United States but not the title to the surface estate, unless the operator has filed a detailed summarydocument with the Secretary, signed by the operator and surface owners, that a written surface use agreement has been consummated meeting certain criteria.

Cites conditions under which the Secretary may authorize an operator to conduct exploration and drilling operations in the absence of such an agreement.

Requires the bill!)Secretary to comply with specified surface owner notification requirements.

Sets forth reclamation and bond requirements.
</summary>

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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
(Log inLatest Major Action: 8/1/2007: Referred to edit the wikiSenate committee. Status: Read twice and be the firstreferred to update the status of the bill!)Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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