The Interior Department has announced several reforms that the Bureau of Land Management will undertake in an attempt to improve protections for land, water, and wildlife and avoid costly and time-consuming protests and litigation of leases.
Interior said it would also establish a new energy reform team to identify and implement important energy management reforms.
“We need a fresh look – from inside the federal government and from outside – at how we can better manage Americans’ energy resources,” said secretary Salazar.
New guidance – expected to toughen environmental reviews – BLM is issuing for field managers is intended to bring clarity, consistency, and public engagement to the onshore oil and gas leasing process, the department said.
It said that under the reformed oil and gas leasing policy, BLM would provide comprehensive interdisciplinary reviews, resource management plans, greater public involvement, and leadership in identifying areas where new oil and gas leasing will occur.