Not only mandate the sale of leases but they must also mandate the right of the lease holder to produce (drill for production of oil or gas)!
Just look at the 2.6 - 3 trillion cu.ft. of dry natural gas under the Dustin Dome that we citizens are denied access to in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Chevron held the lease for years and years. They did extensive siesmic exploration and even test wells. But when Chevron applied for permits to drill and start production the Gov. refused the permits. Chevron sued the Gov. (twice I think) but failed. Eventually the Gov. bought back the leases for $113 million.
The enviroWacos stirred up the Fla. locals with the fears of giant oil spills. BUT WAIT! This is a couple of trillion cu. ft. of Dry Natural Gas not that evil yucky oil!!!
Destin Dome