Restriction on temporary abandonment of wells

Section 5 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1334) is amended by adding at the end the following: (l) Restriction on temporary abandonment of wells (1) In general The Secretary— (A) may not approve the placement of an oil well in temporary abandonment status for a period longer than 3 years; and (B) may only approve such placement after submission and validation of an accompanying economic analysis verifying the potential for temporary abandonment to improve operational stability of the oil well or mitigate environmental impacts of operating the oil well. (2) Extension Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary may, on a one-time basis for an oil well, extend the maximum period the oil well may be placed in temporary abandonment status to 5 years if the Secretary determines such extension is necessary to ensure operational stability or environmental safety..