U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK) are challenging the Biden Administration’s proposed rule which could destroy oil and gas production on the Osage Mineral Estate and negatively impact headright owners who depend on mineral production for their livelihoods. Mullin and Lankford were joined in sending the letter to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland by Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK).

“As drafted, this would negatively impact all headright owners’ ability to utilize their own resources on their own land. We ask for a delay in the implementation of the rules, as well as increased consultation with the Osage Minerals Council, the Osage Nation, and producers within the estate,” the Members wrote in the letter.  

View the letter here or below.

Dear Assistant Secretary Newland:

We write to you regarding the proposed rule entitled “Leasing of Osage Reservation Lands for Oil and Gas Mining.” As drafted, this would negatively impact all headright owners’ ability to utilize their own resources on their own land. We ask for a delay in the implementation of the rules, as well as increased consultation with the Osage Minerals Council, the Osage Nation, and producers within the estate.

As you know, the relationship between the Osage Minerals Council, the Osage Nation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is unique. As such, any change(s) in the management of the Osage Mineral Estate should be a collaborative process, and involve extensive consultation with the Osage Minerals Council, and other appropriate stakeholders. Absent additional consultation, there will continue to be disagreement between all parties involved, and the BIA.  

The Osage Minerals Council has repeatedly expressed the need for new regulations to benefit the Osage Mineral Estate, and headright holders, while balancing the responsibilities of BIA as the trustee of the estate. Additional consultation efforts will provide an opportunity to reset that relationship, and find the best solution.

We do appreciate your immediate willingness to work with members of the Osage Nation, and the Osage Minerals Council, on this issue, ask that you continue your discussions regarding the impact(s) of this proposed rule, and seek an amicable path forward. 

We request that you delay implementation of the proposed CFR, reconsider this overly complicated rule. We recognize this is not a simple task, and we ask that you continue to keep us apprised of your efforts. Additionally, please consider our staff members as a resource moving forward.