The Department of Interior (DOI) previously released its “FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan”. It highlighted its commitment to supporting responsible energy production while maintaining a balance and addressing the need to combat climate change. While some argue the Trump Administration displays reckless tendencies in pursuing energy independence and dominance, the DOI announced Tuesday the Bureau of Land Management’s “Oil and Gas Leasing – Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews” memorandum calling for an accelerated lease parcel review process through a shorter six-month process.
New provisions will tackle previous problem areas. While additional federal land will become available, bureaucratic delays are expected to be reduced. The memorandum additionally directs attention to catalyzing public engagement with plans to increase the creation of more energy jobs and significantly reduce energy costs. All provisions support the resonating theme of energy dominance.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ending the unnecessary delays and bureaucratic roadblocks that have held back American energy production for too long,” said Adam Suess, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, in a press release. “This policy puts us on a fast track to Energy Dominance-opening up more federal land for responsible development, cutting review times nearly in half, and sending a clear message that the United States is serious about job creation, low energy costs, and putting American energy first.”
The research process includes identifying a lease of choice for the actual lease sale to meet the desired six-month period. For this to occur, state offices with leasable land must initiate lease sales as soon as possible to enable public engagement and legitimate times dictated by federal law. As a result, National Environmental Policy Act reviews will no longer be a prerequisite. Instead, provisions will support reviews in conjunction with the National Energy Policy Act compliance process, a directive that ensures a speedy process.
According to current regulations, the BLM must initiate quarterly lease sales when applicable land becomes available. A snapshot of previous lease sale activities over the past two years indicates the process spanned between eight and fifteen months.
According to Strategic Objective 3.2, “Current Energy Needs Are Met Through Balanced Resource Use” of the DOI strategic plan, the organization will call upon its complete grouping faculties, regulations, and tools to “ensure safety, environmental stewardship, and appropriate development of coal, oil, natural gas, and renewable energy resources. This includes regulatory programs that establish strong standards and regulations, and emphasize a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.”
According to the DOI press release, the updated leasing policy supports the department’s commitment to responsible resource development by complying with environmental laws and allowing for transparency with the general public. The streamlined process will strengthen public trust and continue to meet statutory requirements.
Nick Vaccaro is a freelance writer and photographer. In addition to providing technical writing services, he is an HSE consultant in the oil and gas industry with twelve years of experience. Vaccaro also contributes to SHALE Oil and Gas Business Magazine, American Oil and Gas Investor, Oil and Gas Investor, Energies Magazine and Louisiana Sportsman Magazine. He has a BA in photojournalism from Loyola University and resides in the New Orleans area. Vaccaro can be reached at 985-966-0957 or nav@vaccarogroupllc.com.
