Detailed Summary

Oil Shale and Tar Sands Leasing Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) report to Congress on a commercial leasing program for oil shale and tar sands; and (2) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to assess for a report to Congress the environmental and commercial framework for oil shale and tar sands development.

Authorizes the senior executive of an affected state or local governmental unit to submit recommendations to the Secretary with respect to size, timing, or location of either a proposed lease sale, or a proposed development and production plan.

Requires an environmental impact statement prior to: (1) any lease sale under the commercial leasing program under this Act; and (2) authorization, on a site-specific basis, of development activity on leased land.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 5/14/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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