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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 (BLM). Updating the regulations would afford an opportunity to modernize and streamline analytical and procedural requirements and help provide a more consistent 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 National Environmental Policy Act 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. A proposed rule was published on 9/1/2020 (85 FR 46458) for a 60-day comment period. This rule will meet the Administration's priority to improve service delivery, customer experience, and reduce administrative burdens for those accessing public benefits and services.