30 CFR 581.4: Qualifications of lessees.

(a) In accordance with section 8(k) of the Act, leases shall be awarded only to qualified persons offering the highest cash bonus bid.

(b) Mineral leases issued pursuant to section 8 of the Act may be held only by:

(1) Citizens and nationals of the United States;

(2) Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20);

(3) Private, public, or municipal corporations organized under the laws of the United States or of any State or of the District of Columbia or territory thereof; or

(4) Associations of such citizens, nationals, resident aliens, or private, public, or municipal corporations, States, or political subdivisions of States.