2016 US Code
Title 42 - The Public Health and Welfare
Chapter 134 - Energy Policy
Subchapter XII - Miscellaneous
Part B - Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 13554 - Tar sands

Download PDF
Citation 42 U.S.C. § 13554 (2016)
Section Name §13554. Tar sands
Section Text (a) Policy

It is the policy of the United States to promote the development and production, by all means consistent with sound engineering, economic, and environmental practices, of deposits of tar sands.

(b) "Tar sands" defined

(1) For purposes of this section, the term "tar sands" means any consolidated or unconsolidated rock (other than coal, oil shale, or gilsonite) that either—

(A) contains a hydrocarbonaceous material with a gas-free viscosity, at original reservoir temperature, greater than 10,000 centipoise; or

(B) contains a hydrocarbonaceous material and is produced by mining or quarrying.


(2) Nothing in this section is intended or shall be construed to affect in any way the definition of the term tar sands under any other provision of Federal law.

(c) Study

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall submit a study to the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate within one year after October 24, 1992. Such study shall identify and evaluate the development potential of sources of tar sands in the United States. The study shall also identify and evaluate processes for extracting oil from the identified tar sand sources, including existing tar sands waste tailings, and evaluate the environmental benefits of, and the potential for co-production of minerals and metals from, such processes.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1993 and 1994 to carry out this section.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXX, §3016, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3129.)

Publication Title United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 4, Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 134 - ENERGY POLICY
SUBCHAPTER XII - MISCELLANEOUS
Part B - Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 13554 - Tar sands
Contains section 13554
Date 2016
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 6, 2017
Positive Law No
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large Reference 106 Stat. 3129
Public Law References Public Law 102-486
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.