Analysis: BLM – More Power To ‘Em
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
LANDER, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a powerful agency when it comes to reducing environmental impacts of oil and gas development on public lands - but the agency is reluctant to wield that power after a drilling lease is granted, according to an in-depth analysis of BLM regulatory authority.
Bruce Pendery, program director and a staff attorney with the Wyoming Outdoor Council, conducted the research. He says he became interested when he encountered resistance from BLM employees to take action once leases are in place.
"I have seen, time and time again, the attitude expressed that, 'We can't do anything.' I strongly disagree with that."
Pendery encourages discussion and debate about the role the Bureau should play once development gets underway, and he wants his assessment to be helpful.
"The ability and the right to develop oil and gas are highly conditional and highly subject to regulation."
The assessment does not take into account recent federal announcements that leasing will be conducted more carefully. Industry spokespeople claim the BLM has too many regulations in place, which slow production.
The article, "BLM's Retained Rights: How Requiring Environmental Protection Fulfills Oil and Gas Lease Obligations," is published in the journal "Environmental Law," Vol. 40:599-600, available at www.lclark.edu.
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