SALT LAKE CITY – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today released a draft environmental assessment for 195 oil and gas leases in Utah that have been subject to legal challenges. The public comment period for the assessment is now open and will remain so for 30 days.
The analysis, published on the BLM’s National NEPA register website, addresses court orders and settlement agreements resulting from lawsuits filed between 2016 and 2023 by WildEarth Guardians and othre plaintiffs concerning oil and gas leases in Utah and six other western states.
According to the BLM, the assessment builds upon previous environmental reviews and aligns with current Executive Orders, Secretary’s Orders, and department of the Interior policy. The agency stated it is prioritizing the efficient processing of permits and streamlining environmental reviews to facilitate responsible oil and gas development.
The BLM indicated the completion of this analysis is intended to help address the declared national energy emergency and support efforts to increase American energy production. The draft environmental assessment can be found at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2040012/510.
