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The Forest Service plays a role in the leasing and development of Federally owned oil and natural gas found on National Forest System lands in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Updating the regulations will afford an opportunity to modernize and streamline analytical and procedural requirements and help provide a more consist approach to oil and gas management across the National Forest System. The potential changes to the existing regulation permitting sections include eliminating language that is redundant with the NEPA process, removing confusing options, and ensuring better alignment with the BLM regulations. The intent of these potential changes would be to decrease permitting times by removing regulatory burdens that unnecessarily encumber energy production.across the National Forest System.

Statement of Need:

The Forest Service plays a role in the leasing and development of federally owned oil and natural gas found on National Forest System lands in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Updating the regulations will afford an opportunity to modernize and streamline analytical and procedural requirements and help provide a more consist approach to oil and gas management across the National Forest System.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Forest Service 36 CFR 228(e) regulations are done as a result of the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987.

Alternatives:

Forest Service 36 CFR 228 (e) regulations are done as a result of Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Not applicable.

Risks:

Not applicable.