BLM advances environmental assessments for challenged oil and gas leases
WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with supplemental environmental assessments for litigated oil and gas leases in seven states. These analyses will satisfy court orders and settlement agreements stemming from legal challenges brought by WildEarth Guardians and other plaintiffs between 2016-2021 to oil and gas leases in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
The BLM published draft supplemental environmental assessments for Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and New Mexico today at BLM’s National NEPA Register website, opening a 30-day public comment period for each. The BLM’s drafts for Utah and Wyoming are anticipated to publish separately in the coming weeks. These supplemental analyses will add to information provided in previous environmental assessments and ensure consistency with recent court orders as well as current Executive Orders, Secretary’s Orders, and Department of the Interior policy.
Here are links to the first three draft supplemental analyses:
The BLM is using all available authorities to expedite permitting, streamline the environmental review process, and provide greater certainty for operators and customers. Completing these supplemental analyses will enable responsible oil and gas leasing and development to quickly resume in the areas in question, which is needed to help address the national energy emergency and restore American Energy Dominance.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.