
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 30USC1717]

 
                   TITLE 30--MINERAL LANDS AND MINING
 
               CHAPTER 29--OIL AND GAS ROYALTY MANAGEMENT
 
        SUBCHAPTER I--FEDERAL ROYALTY MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT
 
Sec. 1717. Hearings and investigations


(a) Authorization; affidavits, oaths, subpenas, testimony, and payment 
        of witnesses

    In carrying out his duties under this chapter the Secretary may 
conduct any investigation or other inquiry necessary and appropriate and 
may conduct, after notice, any hearing or audit, necessary and 
appropriate to carrying out his duties under this chapter. In connection 
with any such hearings, inquiry, investigation, or audit, the Secretary 
is also authorized where reasonably necessary--
        (1) to require by special or general order, any person to submit 
    in writing such affidavits and answers to questions as the Secretary 
    may reasonably prescribe, which submission shall be made within such 
    reasonable period and under oath or otherwise, as may be necessary;
        (2) to administer oaths;
        (3) to require by subpena the attendance and testimony of 
    witnesses and the production of all books, papers, production and 
    financial records, documents, matter, and materials, as the 
    Secretary may request;
        (4) to order testimony to be taken by deposition before any 
    person who is designated by the Secretary and who has the power to 
    administer oaths, and to compel testimony and the production of 
    evidence in the same manner as authorized under paragraph (3) of 
    this subsection; and
        (5) to pay witnesses the same fees and mileage as are paid in 
    like circumstances in the courts of the United States.

(b) Refusal to obey subpena

    In case of refusal to obey a subpena served upon any person under 
this section, the district court of the United States for any district 
in which such person is found, resides, or transacts business, upon 
application by the Attorney General at the request of the Secretary and 
after notice to such person, shall have jurisdiction to issue an order 
requiring such person to appear and give testimony before the Secretary 
or to appear and produce documents before the Secretary. Any failure to 
obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as contempt 
thereof and subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 a day.

(Pub. L. 97-451, title I, Sec. 107, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2452.)
