EMS TRANSMISSION 07/19/2007

Instruction Memorandum No. 2006-197

Expires:  09/30/2007

 

To:                   All Field Officials and Assistant Directors

 

From:               Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection

 

Subject:           BLM Energy and Non-Energy Mineral Policy

 

Program Area: Minerals Management

 

Purpose: To implement the intent of Congressional Policy as stated in Section 102(a) (12) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976.

 

Policy/Action: As a part of implementing FLPMA, the President’s Energy Policy of 2001 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005, as well as other important mineral related acts, I am forwarding the updated BLM Energy and Non-Energy Mineral Policy to use in your day-to-day decision making process.  Please share this policy with your employees and other entities, as appropriate, in the context of our multiple use responsibilities.  Press down on the Control key and click on the following link:

 

 

I am also calling your attention to the Department’s 603 Manual on Administrative Withdrawals. The requirements for obtaining an administrative withdrawal have been strengthened and the review process in the Washington Office involves more oversight than in the past. The 603 Manual Section can be accessed by pressing on the Control key and clicking on the following link, then selecting one of download prompts in the top right margin- the “W” icon or the “e” icon :

 

 

Timeframe: Effective immediately.

 

Background: In 1984 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued its first stand alone mineral policy. In 1993, Executive Order 12861 required Federal agencies to reduce their internal management regulations and directives by at least fifty percent.   In 1996, as a part of this effort, the 1984 Mineral Policy was eliminated. The attached Energy and Non-Energy Mineral Policy modernizes and replaces the 1984 policy.

 

Budget Impact: None.

 

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: This policy will be incorporated within BLM Manual Section 3000.

 

Coordination: A draft mineral policy was sent to all directorates and state offices and their comments were incorporated into this final policy.

 

Contact: Tom Lonnie or Bob Anderson at 202.208.4201.