Draft Overriding Royalty Interest Code
Available for Public Comment
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Department of Energy is now accepting written comments on a proposed “Overriding Royalty Interest Code” or “ORRI Code.” If adopted, the ORRI Code would appear as a new title in the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Code.
The proposed ORRI Code would regulate the creation of new ORRIs on leases of non-renewable tribal energy minerals within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation by requiring the Tribe’s consent before such ORRIs may be created.
The proposed ORRI Code is available for review and comment here. The comment deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024 by 5PM MST.
Mission
The mission of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Department of Energy is to ensure that the members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe receive maximum benefit from the energy and mineral resources located on their Reservation while at the same time minimizing the impact of extraction of the resources on the natural and cultural environment.
Exploration & Production / Compliance Division – Monitors exploration and production activities on the SUIR to promote the safe development of energy resources on the reservation while ensuring minimal impact to the natural and cultural environment.
Energy Accounting Division – Tracks and receives funds for Severance Tax and Royalty payments on the SUIR from energy production. Auditing conducts accounting audits of operators to ensure they are remitting correct royalty and tax payments to the Tribe.
Land Division – Manages the various business agreements and contracts that provide for the exploration and development of Southern Ute energy resources and effectively link the oil and gas industry to the Southern Ute Tribe and the Federal Government.