Author: Valor

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping budget reconciliation package known informally as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Now under Senate review, the 1,100+ page bill includes a range of provisions that affect multiple energy sectors, including oil and gas, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy.

Here’s a factual summary of how the bill intersects with U.S. energy policy and programs:

Oil and Gas Provisions

• Drilling Expansion: The bill reinstates and accelerates oil and gas leasing on federal lands and offshore waters. It also shortens permitting timelines for new drilling projects.
• Regulatory Revisions: Provisions reduce the administrative review period for environmental assessments related to oil and gas activity, in alignment with NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) reforms.
• Federal Royalties: The bill freezes current royalty rates for federal oil and gas leases and blocks increases that had been proposed under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Power Generation and Renewables

• Subsidy Repeals: The legislation repeals or phases out several tax credits and subsidies for renewable energy, including:
  • – The Production Tax Credit (PTC)
  • – The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
  • – Energy efficiency incentive programs for wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy
• Grid Reliability Provisions: The bill includes funding and directive language for improving power grid reliability, with a focus on dispatchable energy resources, which may include natural gas and coal.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• EV Tax Credit Rollback: The bill repeals the $7,500 federal tax credit for new EV purchases and eliminates additional incentives for used EVs or domestically sourced batteries.
• Charging Infrastructure: Federal funding for EV charging infrastructure, as outlined in previous legislation, is rescinded or reallocated.
• Fuel Economy Standards: The bill limits the authority of the EPA and DOT to enforce stricter fuel economy standards through 2035.

Other Notable Energy-Related Provisions

• Carbon Capture: Tax credits for carbon capture and storage (45Q credits) are maintained at reduced levels, and new qualifications are added.
• Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR): The bill includes measures to require minimum capacity levels and outlines approval processes for drawdowns.
• State Preemption: A section of the bill prevents states from enacting stricter emissions or fuel regulations that exceed federal standards until 2035.

Current Status

As of June 2025:

• – The bill has passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate.
• – Some provisions—particularly around state-level EV mandates and federal land leasing—are expected to be the subject of negotiations or amendments.

After the Senate floor vote

• The bill has passed the House (May 22), but still requires approval in the Senate. Senators are working under a self-imposed deadline of July 4 for passage via reconciliation.
• What to watch for:
• – Whether the Senate can keep true to its target, avoiding delays or entering conference negotiations/
• – Any major amendment or rollback on contentious provisions (e.g., SALT cap, Medicaid, SNAP, energy credits)
• – If the Senate introduces substantial changes, the bill may go through a conference process between House and Senate. That could push final passage into July or even August.

Check back soon for further updates as the legislation advances through the Senate.

Contact

Are you ready to transform your oil and gas assets? Contact Valor today to learn how our innovative solutions can elevate your business to new heights.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Why Clean Records Matter in Mineral Management

When it comes to mineral management, few things are as critical as having clean, accurate title records. Whether you own a single royalty interest or manage a large mineral portfolio, title curative work is essential to ensuring your ownership is properly documented and revenue flows without delay.

What is Title Curative? Title curative is the process of identifying and resolving issues or defects in the chain of title. These defects can include missing documents, unreleased liens, outdated probate records, or improperly executed deeds. Left unresolved, these issues can lead to suspended funds, disputes over ownership, and challenges in lease negotiations.

Common scenarios include cases where an heir has not properly probated a will, where deeds have been recorded incorrectly, or where overlapping interests from historical transfers need clarification. Each of these can block revenue and create confusion if not proactively addressed.

Why It Matters Clean title is the foundation for everything in mineral management. Without it, operators may not pay royalties, you may not receive tax notices, and your asset’s value could be diminished. Title curative ensures:

– You’re properly identified as the rightful owner

– Revenue isn’t held in suspense due to unresolved issues

– Your interests can be leased, sold, or passed on to heirs without legal hurdles

Inaccuracies in title can also impact estate planning, charitable giving, and the ability to pursue legal claims. Ensuring clean title means preserving the full economic and legal benefit of your mineral holdings.

How Valor Helps At Valor, we specialize in identifying and resolving title issues across even the most complex portfolios. Our team of experts work to:

– Review historical records and ownership chains

– Locate missing documentation

– Coordinate with operators and county clerks

-Ensure your ownership is correctly recorded and monetized

We also provide clients with access to digital records through our mineral management platform, mineral.tech®, platform, so they can easily view their asset structure, ownership documentation, and progress on curative work in real time.

Title curative might not be the most visible part of mineral management, but it’s one of the most important. Clean records protect your income, simplify decision-making, and support long-term asset value. At Valor, we make sure your mineral assets are supported by strong documentation and expert oversight—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact

Are you ready to transform your oil and gas assets? Contact Valor today to learn how our innovative solutions can elevate your business to new heights.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

A practical guide to understanding mineral leases, key terms, and how proactive management can protect and maximize your mineral rights.

If you own mineral rights, understanding lease management is essential. It’s not just about signing paperwork—it’s about making informed decisions that directly impact your revenue, your rights, and your long-term asset strategy. Poorly managed leases can result in lost income, missed opportunities, and legal headaches.

What is a Mineral Lease?

A mineral lease grants an operator the right to explore for and produce oil, gas, or other minerals from your property. In exchange, you can receive a bonus payment upfront and ongoing royalties from production. These leases are legally binding agreements and can span years or even decades, so getting them right from the start is crucial.

Key Terms to Understand

Before signing a lease, it’s important to understand the key components:

• Bonus: A one-time upfront payment made when the lease is signed. This can vary widely based on location, market conditions, and the perceived value of your minerals.
• Royalty Rate: The percentage of production revenue you’re entitled to. Even a small difference in this rate can have significant long-term financial impact.
• Lease Term: The initial period granted to begin drilling, often with provisions for extension.
• Shut-In Clause: A clause that allows an operator to maintain the lease during periods of non-production, typically with minimal royalty payments.
• Pugh Clause: Ensures non-producing portions of your acreage are not indefinitely tied up under an active lease.
• Depth Severance: Prevents operators from holding deeper rights they aren’t actively developing.

Risks of Poor Lease Management

Without proper oversight and knowledge, mineral owners may:

– Accept unfavorable terms that reduce income or limit future options

– Overlook critical deadlines, such as lease expirations or renewal windows

– Fail to audit payments, leading to underpaid royalties

– Lose opportunities to re-lease to more competitive operators

Additionally, many owners are unaware of clauses that could either protect or harm their interests, such as surface use agreements or pooling provisions. These details can significantly affect your control and earnings.

How Valor Supports You

Lease management is not just about negotiation—it’s about continual oversight. Our experienced land professionals:

– Review and negotiate lease terms on your behalf to ensure fairness and maximize revenue

– Track renewal dates, production obligations, and expiration timelines

– Ensure all royalty payments are made accurately and promptly

– Organize and maintain your lease portfolio digitally within mineral.tech® for full visibility

– Provide proactive guidance to avoid pitfalls and take advantage of market opportunities

We act as your advocate, bringing deep industry knowledge to each decision and helping you maintain control of your assets. Whether you’re approached with a new lease offer or need support managing multiple legacy leases, Valor ensures you have the information and insight you need to make the best decisions.

Lease management isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing responsibility that requires attention to detail and knowledge of industry practices. With the right partner, mineral leasing can be a strategic asset rather than a source of uncertainty. At Valor, we’re committed to protecting your interests and optimizing your returns every step of the way.

Contact

Are you ready to transform your oil and gas assets? Contact Valor today to learn how our innovative solutions can elevate your business to new heights.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.