Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Interior to shorten reviews for oil and gas on public lands
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Thursday, May 15, 2025
Oil and gas development in Wyoming, BLM Wyoming ([link removed])
The Interior department has announced a new policy intended to accelerate and expand oil and gas drilling on national public lands. According to an Instruction Memorandum ([link removed]) released Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management will shorten its review times for parcels offered for oil and gas leasing to six months, about half ([link removed]) of what review times were during the second half of the Biden administration. The memorandum also indicates that the BLM will begin offering parcels that were deferred during previous sales, as well as parcels that were offered but not sold, in future sales, including parcels that have low or no drilling potential.
An Interior department press release ([link removed]) noted that the policy changes are meant to support President Donald Trump's "energy dominance" agenda. But Ed Hirs, energy fellow at the University of Houston, pointed out that oil and gas producers will decide when and where to drill based on global market forces. "Decreasing regulations doesn’t really help because the issue is the top line, the revenue number," Hirs told ([link removed]) E&E News. An analysis ([link removed]) from S&P Global Commodity Insights, also released Tuesday, predicts that U.S. oil production will actually decline in 2026 due to economic factors, despite the Trump administration's
attempts to use policy to force production.
"This pathetic policy to treat environmental reviews like a nuisance aims to further enrich the same oligarchs who’re already hoarding unused oil and gas leases on nearly 10 million acres of public lands," said ([link removed]) Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity, adding that the policy will "do nothing but ensure flawed decisions that lead to successful lawsuits from people who want to protect the public lands, water and wildlife we all love."
** Quick hits
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In the name of efficiency, Navajo president calls on Trump administration to preserve Bears Ears
Utah News Dispatch ([link removed])
Trump's fast-tracked deal for a copper mine heightens existential fight for Apache
CBS News ([link removed])
New law allows Colorado State Land Board to consider recreation, conservation on state lands in mandate
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
NM state water quality board backs off controversial oil and gas project discharges
Source New Mexico ([link removed])
Trump’s ‘liquidation plans’ could wipe out Wyoming research group renowned for migration work
WyoFile ([link removed])
States opposed to climate law have the most to lose from its proposed rollback
New York Times ([link removed])
How the world's most powerful corporations have fought accountability for climate change
Inside Climate News ([link removed])
Why protecting wildland is crucial to American freedom and identity
The Conversation ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” ‘Drill, baby, drill’ cannot possibly work.”
—Ed Hirs, University of Houston energy fellow, E&E News ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Sunflower Flats is a scenic high-desert area located within the @mypubliclands ([link removed]) ’ Elko District in northeastern Nevada. Known for its expansive meadows and vibrant wildflower displays, it offers a rich blend of ecological beauty and recreational opportunities.
The open landscapes and surrounding mountain ranges make Sunflower Flats ideal for hiking and scenic drives, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Great Basin.
Photo by Shanell Owen
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