PoliticsFeds to Review Public-Lands Oil & Gas Lease Program

Feds to Review Public-Lands Oil & Gas Lease Program

-

- Advertisment -sslate

The Biden administration has ordered the Interior Department to conduct a review of the federal government’s oil-and-gas leasing program on public lands, with an eye toward better management.

About 38 million acres of onshore and offshore public lands are under lease, but critics says the program has been fraught for decades with organizational, financial and environmental problems.

Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the Center for Western Priorities said the government isn’t getting a fair financial return for taxpayers, and has allowed the environmental degradation of America’s public lands.

“Our hope is that the administration comes forward with a set of recommendations on how to fully modernize the program,” said Weiss, “so that we are fully accounting for the costs of oil and gas that is being extracted from America’s public lands.”

Weiss said three-quarters of the oil-and-gas leases are non-producing, which prevents them from being used for other purposes.

retaining
The Interior Department has scheduled a virtual forum on March 25 to gather public input for the review.

Weiss said he thinks the government also needs to set and enforce stricter environmental regulations, and address the mounting cleanup and remediation costs for abandoned wells, which he said are a major source of greenhouse gases.

“Making sure that the existing laws and policies that are on the books are fully compliant with bedrock conservation laws,” said Weiss, “like the Endangered Species Act, like the Clean Air Act. A combination of regulatory and legislative action.”

The day-long forum will feature panels of industry representatives, labor and environmental groups, and other experts. Weiss said he believes the leasing program needs a top-to-bottom overhaul.

“Just the fees that they pay for leasing these public lands, those start at a $1.50 an acre,” said Weiss. “So, for the price of a cup of coffee, you can lock up acres of public lands and prevent them from being put to other use.”

The Interior Department plans to release an interim report by early summer. More information on the review and how to participate in the livestreamed seminar will be posted soon at ‘DOI.gov.’

Sunshine Slate
Sunshine Slatehttps://www.sunshineslate.com
Sunshine Slate is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the United States of America.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

Survivors Call for Monument in Honor of Fallen Heroes

Congress is moving forward with plans to build the monument to honor the 3,600 Americans who have earned the nation's highest award for valor in combat.

Starting a Business informally is beneficial for Growth

Starting a business informally almost always benefits its development in the early stages, new research from NEOMA Business School reveals.

Why Must You Go for Professional Lawn Mowing Services?

The best Lawn Mowing specialist is knowledgeable about different grass varieties. Know the reasons why you must know.

Best Apps for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.
- Advertisement -

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space With Outdoor Travertine Tiles

Outdoor travertine tiles are a durable and stylish option for any outdoor space. Here's the complete guide for it.

Why The Eye Drop Product Recall is causing all this Panic?

In this article, we will discuss what eye drop product recalls are, why they happen, and what you should do if you have a recalled eye drop product.
edealo.com
- Advertisement - Motel 6
transformerscon

Must read

Survivors Call for Monument in Honor of Fallen Heroes

Congress is moving forward with plans to build the monument to honor the 3,600 Americans who have earned the nation's highest award for valor in combat.

Best Apps for your New Mobile Phone

We can install any app from the google play store very quickly. Let’s take a look at some most amazing apps for android mobile phones.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -sslate

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you