Unfortunately, this authorization has never been satisfied and my home state has lost literally millions of dollars as a result.

In short, my State is knowingly leaving money on the table in order to make a good faith effort to resolve this issue.

It is important to note that during the 4-year period of study, the federal lessee continued to drain the sacred reservoir and actually continued to drain the field until the Federal wells ceased producing in 1998.

Why would we encourage the construction and operation of more oil and gas wells in U.S. waters than are necessary?

After more than a decade, it is time for the federal government to settle this outstanding obligation and, at the same time, protect the rights of my home State.