US gas and oil producers have been urging the Trump administration to grant broad-based relief from federal royalties for drilling on public lands and in federal waters amid low commodity prices.But the US Interior Department is struggling with legal questions over its authority that have hamstrung its ability to offer the kind of widespread relief companies are seeking.Royalty relief would essentially slash current federal rates,ranging from 18.75% to 12.5% offshore depending on depth,and 12.5% for onshore leases.Producers say the plan is necessary to help keep drilling economic amid gas prices that have tumbled as low as $1.50 per million Btu before recovering slightly last week.Federal lands comprise roughly 9% of domestic gas output.
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