Oil and Gas Industry Training
Bureau of Land Management
National Headquarters
Washington , DC 20240
United States
3160 (310) P
The purpose of this Instruction Memorandum (IM) is to provide guidance to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Offices (FOs) and State Offices (SOs) on the implementation of a quarterly training program for oil and gas operators. This program is intended to offer voluntary training that enhances operator understanding of and compliance with the BLM’s oil and gas regulations, policy, and operational procedures. The training will serve as a proactive measure to foster collaboration, improve regulatory compliance, and ensure responsible resource development on public lands.
Mission Related
To promote consistent, effective, and responsive engagement with oil and gas operators, BLM FOs and SOs will implement a structured training program that offers training to operators quarterly. These sessions should be planned in advance, advertised to operators, and designed to address current regulatory requirements, operational procedures, and best practices relevant to oil and gas development on public lands. Regular training will ensure that operators remain informed and aligned with BLM expectations, thereby supporting compliance and operational efficiency.
In developing these training sessions, FOs and SOs are encouraged to coordinate closely with each other, industry representatives, and State Oil and Gas Commissions or Divisions. This collaboration will ensure that training content reflects both federal and state regulatory frameworks, providing operators with an integrated and comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities. FOs should engage individually with the most active operators in their regions to assess training needs. This engagement may include collecting feedback through informal one-on-one discussions and informal input to identify knowledge gaps and tailor training content accordingly.
The respective FO will select training topics based on operator feedback, FO experience, recent regulatory updates, inspection findings, and emerging trends in oil and gas operations. Topics may include permitting processes, environmental compliance, oil and gas inspection requirements and standards, well integrity, and updates to BLM guidance documents, such as Instruction Memoranda, handbooks, and manuals. To maximize accessibility and participation, the FO may conduct training sessions in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. When feasible, the FO will record sessions and make them available for later viewing.
To ensure consistency and coordination across the states, each SO will appoint a training coordinator who will serve as the central point of contact for all training-related activities within the respective SO. This includes maintaining a calendar of training events, facilitating communication between FOs and external stakeholders, ensuring training consistency across offices, and recording the training. The coordinator will also be responsible for collecting feedback after each session, tracking participation, releasing the recordings, and reporting outcomes to the SO and BLM Headquarters leadership. The training coordinator will also ensure that the training materials are current, relevant, and aligned with the Administration’s priorities.
This IM is effective immediately.
Implementing a quarterly training program for oil and gas operators will have several budgetary implications for BLM FOs and SOs. First, the increased frequency of training sessions will require additional staff time and effort, particularly for those involved in planning, coordination, content development, and delivery. This may necessitate a reallocation of existing resources or, in some cases, the justification for additional staffing support. Second, hosting in-person components of the training may incur venue rental costs, especially in areas where BLM facilities are not equipped to accommodate larger groups or hybrid events. Third, travel expenses may be required to bring in subject matter experts from other offices or agencies to provide specialized instruction, particularly for technical or regulatory topics. These costs could include transportation, lodging, and per diem allowances. While virtual participation can help reduce some logistical expenses, the overall program will still require a modest but consistent allocation of funds to ensure its effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability.
This training initiative supports the implementation of Executive Order 14154 and Secretary’s Order 3418, Unleashing American Energy, which emphasize the importance of streamlining energy development while maintaining environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. By providing regular, structured training to oil and gas operators, the BLM ensures that industry stakeholders are well-informed of current policies, operational expectations, and best practices. This proactive approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces regulatory violations, and supports the responsible development of America’s energy resources.
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If you have any questions concerning the content or implementation of this IM, please contact Tina Roberts-Ashby at [email protected]. Your staff may contact John Ajak at [email protected] or Matthew Warren at [email protected].
This IM was coordinated with the BLM’s Division of Fluid Minerals, the BLM’s Energy, Minerals and Realty Management Directorate, and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor.