§301. Authorization for lease of oil and gas deposits; by and to whom leased

Whenever the Secretary of the Interior shall deem it to be consistent with the public interest he is authorized to lease deposits of oil and gas in or under lands embraced in railroad or other rights of way acquired under any law of the United States, whether the same be a base fee or mere easement: Provided, That, except as hereinafter authorized, no lease shall be executed hereunder except to the municipality, corporation, firm, association, or individual by whom such right of way was acquired, or to the lawful successor, assignee, or transferee of such municipality, corporation, firm, association, or individual.

(May 21, 1930, ch. 307, §1, 46 Stat. 373 .)

Cross References

Submerged lands, mineral rights generally, see section 1301 et seq. of Title 43, Public Lands.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 303 of this title.