In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are proposing to renew an information collection.

Abstract: In 1906, Congress passed “An Act for the division of the lands and funds of the Osage Indians in Oklahoma Territory, and for other purposes,” providing for the allotment of the Osage Nation's lands. See Act of June 28, 1906, Public Law 59-321, 34 Stat. 539, as amended (1906 Act). Section 3 of the 1906 Act severed the surface estate from the subsurface mineral estate (Osage Mineral Estate), reserving all oil, gas, coal, and other minerals to the Osage Nation. In accordance with the 1906 Act, the Osage Mineral Estate is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Osage Nation.

The 1906 Act authorizes the Osage Nation to lease the Osage Mineral Estate for oil and gas mining, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior and under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe. The regulations governing leasing of the Osage Mineral Estate for oil and gas mining are set forth in 25 CFR part 226. The information collections in 25 CFR part 226 specify what information lessees, operators, and others must provide to BIA regarding oil and gas leasing, exploration, development operations, and production. These information collections are necessary in order for BIA to administer leasing and development of the Osage Mineral Estate, collect and account for royalty revenues, and ensure the protection of resource values.