2023-09-22 07:00:00
Comment Period for Proposed Changes to Onshore Oil and Gas Regulations Will Close Sept. 22
The public comment period for the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed revisions to the agency’s onshore oil and gas regulations will close on September 22, 2023, as originally announced. The proposal has been the subject of two virtual and three in-person meetings and a 60-day comment period that began on July 24, 2023.
The BLM is in the process of analyzing comments received and will continue to review comments submitted before the deadline. The BLM expects to issue a final rule in the Spring of 2024.
The BLM is seeking public comment on a proposal—known as the Onshore Oil & Gas Leasing Rule—that would ensure a balanced approach to development, deconflict drilling with important wildlife habitat and cultural sites, and update outdated fiscal terms to benefit the American taxpayer. The proposed rule is BLM’s first comprehensive update to the Federal onshore oil and gas regulatory framework in decades.
Modernizing fiscal terms is central to the proposed rule. Federal onshore oil and gas royalty rates stayed consistent for more than 100 years prior to the Biden-Harris Administration. Likewise, bonding levels remained the same for 60 years, while minimum bids and rents stayed the same for more than 30 years. The proposed rule would increase returns to the public and disincentivize speculators or less responsible actors.
Among other things, the proposed rule would:
Modernize bonding requirements for leasing, development, and production to reduce the future burden to American taxpayers
Prioritize oil and gas development on lands with existing infrastructure or high potential for production and away from important environmental and cultural sites
Implement key fiscal reforms, including modernizing royalty rates, rentals rates, and minimum bids to align with the Inflation Reduction Act
What’s next?
This proposal reflects the beginning of an important conversation with BLM’s partners and stakeholders. BLM will offer five public meetings and accept public comments for 60 days. The public comment period for the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed revisions to the agency’s onshore oil and gas regulations will close on September 22, 2023. Public involvement through this rulemaking process is crucial to ensure the BLM is making appropriate land management decisions on the ground.
Informational Meetings Schedule
August 14, 2023:
Virtual from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Mountain Daylight Time.
Pre-registration will be required. The BLM expects the meeting to end at 2:30 pm MDT but may extend the meeting longer if questions require additional time to answer.
August 22, 2023:
Albuquerque, NM from 3:00 –7:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
At the Crowne Plaza located at 1901 University Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Parking is complimentary for attendees. The BLM will begin the presentation on the proposed rule at 3:30pm MDT. The BLM expects the meeting to end at 5:30 pm MDT but may extend the meeting longer if questions require additional time to answer.
August 29, 2023:
Denver, CO from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
At the Denver Marriott West located at 1717 Denver West Marriott Blvd, Golden, CO 80401. Parking is complimentary for attendees. The BLM will begin the presentation on the proposed rule at 3:30pm MDT. The BLM expects the meeting to end at 5:30 pm MDT but may extend the meeting longer if questions require additional time to answer.
September 12, 2023:
Salt Lake City, UT from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
At the Salt Lake City Public Library, 210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, in the Auditorium. Parking is available in the library garage. First half hour of parking is free and validation is available for an additional one and a half hours. Additional parking is $1.50 for 30 minutes. The BLM will begin the presentation on the proposed rule at 3:30pm MDT. The BLM expects the meeting to end at 5:30 pm MDT but may extend the meeting longer if questions require additional time to answer.
September 19, 2023:
Virtual from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Mountain Daylight Time.
Pre-registration will be required. The BLM expects the meeting to end at 2:30 pm MDT but may extend the meeting longer if questions require additional time to answer.
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