View Rule

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 revisions of the existing regulations clarify processes for leasing consent and surface use permitting decisions, improve coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, provide clear direction on oil and gas operators’ responsibility to protect natural resources and the environment, and update procedures to reflect existing agency practices and better reflect requirements of law. 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.