Text from the Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan, 2008, Page 43
Use the USGS estimates of the oil and gas resources of all onshore federal lands as reported in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 2000, Phase III Report to identify areas of imminent conflict; develop appropriate strategies to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts; amend land use plans to incorporate these strategies; review stipulations and land use plans in light of new information; incorporate wildlife corridors and crucial habitats in NEPA analyses; and identify areas appropriate for temporary deferral of leasing until ongoing land use planning concerns are resolved.
In 2010 the DOI released a package of oil and gas leasing reforms that included Master Leasing Plans. A BLM Instruction Memorandum (IM) established a process for ensuring orderly, effective, timely, and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas resources on Federal lands. The leasing process established in this IM will create more certainty and predictability, protect multiple-use values when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) makes leasing decisions, and provide for consideration of natural and cultural resources as well as meaningful public involvement.
Assessment conducted by
DJ Case & Associates