---
title: "Index lease papers for a waste allegation without deciding forfeiture"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/compile-the-expenditure-evidence-for-a-contested-exemption-or-forfeiture/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A13-X20260927-9-US"
practice_area: "Energy, Resources & Mining"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Index lease papers for a waste allegation without deciding forfeiture

> Index the documents the lawyer marks that describe waste of oil or gas, or water entering through a well to an oil sand or oil-bearing stratum, with the date and the page.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/compile-the-expenditure-evidence-for-a-contested-exemption-or-forfeiture/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Energy, Resources & Mining](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | Index the documents the lawyer marks that describe waste of oil or gas, or water entering through a well to an oil sand or oil-bearing stratum, with the date and the page. Do not conclude that the lease is forfeited and do not write a filing. |
| What the lawyer must review | 30 U.S.C. 225 provides that leases of lands containing oil or gas, made or issued under that chapter, are subject to the condition that the lessee will, in explorations and mining operations, use all reasonable precautions to prevent waste of oil or gas developed in the land, or the entrance of water through wells drilled by the lessee to the oil sands or oil-bearing strata, to the destruction or injury of the oil deposits. Violations of that section shall constitute grounds for forfeiture of the lease, to be enforced as provided in that chapter. The section does not make an expenditure shortfall a ground of forfeiture. 30 U.S.C. 226 is the leasing section and was not used here to calculate a term or a rental. The index is not evidence. The lawyer decides whether section 225 is in issue and what is filed. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Compile the expenditure evidence for a contested exemption or forfeiture challenge](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/compile-the-expenditure-evidence-for-a-contested-exemption-or-forfeiture.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Index the documents the lawyer marks that describe waste of oil or gas, or water entering through a well to an oil sand or oil-bearing stratum, with the date and the page. Do not conclude that the lease is forfeited and do not write a filing.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- An expenditure shortfall is not restated as a forfeiture ground under section 225.
- The index writes nothing that is filed, sworn, or served.

## Sources

- [30 U.S.C. 225, Condition of lease, forfeiture for violation](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/225) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [30 U.S.C. 226, Leasing of oil and gas parcels](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/226) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*