IPAA Statement on BLM Extending Leasing Ban

On Wednesday the Bureau of Land Management within the Department of Interior announced that they will not be holding lease sales in Q2 2021. The suspension of lease sales was first put in place in January.

Mallori Miller, IPAA Vice President of Government Relations said of the announcement, “IPAA is concerned by the BLM’s cancellation of the second quarterly lease sale under the guise of “Administration discretion”. The Mineral Leasing Act mandates that quarterly lease sales must be held and American oil and gas producers depend on certainty in the regulatory process to produce in a safe, responsible, and timely manner. It is unfortunate that the federal government has chosen not to uphold its most basic responsibility and provide the certainty that is needed. This action will put jobs on the line.”