IPAA Statement on Interior Court Brief Outlining Next Steps in Leasing Program

IPAA issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Interior’s court brief which gives some guidance on next steps in the offshore and onshore oil and gas leasing processes.

Dan Naatz, IPAA EVP: “It is welcome news that BOEM and BLM are taking the necessary steps to follow the law by administering lease sales. America’s oil and natural gas producers have been left in the dark by Interior for most of the year with no idea when leases would resume. Development is a multi-year capital-intensive process and for these businesses to continue to invest and produce energy for Americans, they need regulatory certainty.

“While resuming leasing is a positive step, we are still waiting in anticipation for the interim leasing report and its contents to be released. Companies need to know if the Administration plans to make substantial changes to regulations that govern development on public lands.

“Responsible development of federal lands and in federal offshore waters with a regulatory program designed to protect the environment and public is achievable. IPAA and our members look to coordinate and cooperate with federal and state regulators to find innovative solutions that address climate issues, management of methane and protect and reclaim federal lands.”