[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 43, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 43CFR3135.2]

[Page 381-382]
 
                    TITLE 43--PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIOR
 
    CHAPTER II--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 
PART 3130_OIL AND GAS LEASING: NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE, ALASKA--Table 
of Contents
 
   Subpart 3135_Transfers, Extensions, Consolidations, and Suspensions
 
Sec. 3135.2  Under what circumstances will BLM require a suspension of 

operations and production or approve my request for a suspension of 
operations and production for my lease?

    (a) BLM will require a suspension of operations and production or 
approve your request for a suspension of operations and production for 
your lease(s) if BLM determines that--
    (1) It is in the interest of conservation of natural resources;
    (2) It encourages the greatest ultimate recovery of oil and gas, 
such as by encouraging the planning and construction of a transportation 
system to a new area of discovery; or
    (3) It mitigates reasonably foreseeable and significantly adverse 
effects on surface resources.
    (b) BLM will suspend operations and production for your lease if it 
determines that, despite the exercise of due care and diligence, you 
can't comply with your lease requirements for reasons beyond your 
control.
    (c) If BLM requires a suspension of operations and production or 
approves your request for a suspension of operations and production, the 
suspension--
    (1) Stops the running of your lease term and prevents it from 
expiring for as long as the suspension is in effect;

[[Page 382]]

    (2) Relieves you of your obligation to pay rent, royalty, or minimum 
royalty during the suspension; and
    (3) Prohibits you from operating on, producing from, or having any 
other beneficial use of your lease during the suspension. However, you 
must continue to perform necessary maintenance and safety activities.

[67 FR 17886, Apr. 11, 2002]