Coal royalty

(a) Rate Section 7(a) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 207(a)) is amended by striking 12 1/2 per centum and inserting 12 1/2 percent, except such amount shall be not more than 7 percent during the period that begins on the date of enactment of subsection (s) of section 17 and ends September 30, 2034,. (b) Retroactivity The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to a coal lease— (1) issued under section 2 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 201) before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this subtitle; and (2) that has not been terminated. (c) Advance royalties (1) In general With respect to a lease issued under section 2 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 201) for which the lessee has paid advance royalties under section 7(b) of that Act (30 U.S.C. 207(b)), the Secretary of the Interior shall provide to the lessee a credit for the difference between the amount paid by the lessee in advance royalties for the lease before the date of the enactment of this subtitle and the amount the lessee would have been required to pay if the amendment made by subsection (a) had been made before the lessee paid advance royalties for the lease. (2) Refund of excess credits If a credit owed to a lessee pursuant to this subsection for prior payment of advance royalties is in excess of royalties owed at the conclusion of the term of the lease, the Secretary shall reimburse the lessee an amount equal to the credit less any royalties owed during that term.