The Bureau of Land Management implements a policy for a six-month review timeline to increase energy development and public participation.
The U.S. Department of the Interior issued a policy update through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that will accelerate the oil and gas leasing process on public lands. The Instruction Memorandum directs BLM state offices to complete lease parcel reviews within six months—from the beginning of public scoping to the lease sale. This change is intended to expand access to eligible federal lands, reduce delays in permitting, and promote public involvement while adhering to current land use and environmental review requirements.
The updated process will no longer defer parcels prior to the completion of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. Instead, parcel evaluations will run concurrently with NEPA compliance to streamline approvals. The policy reinforces the legal obligation for the bureau to conduct quarterly lease sales and is expected to reduce the previous 8–15 month review period nearly in half.
“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,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Acting Assistant Secretary Suess to seek God’s guidance as he oversees the Land and Minerals Management Office.
- For Secretary Burgum and Acting BLM Director Joon Raby as they work to accelerate oil and gas leasing on public lands.
Sources: Department of the Interior
