Search Results for keywords:"Bureau of Land Management"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for 3,224 oil and gas leases across seven states, including Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. This action follows multiple lawsuits challenging the leases based on environmental concerns, such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. The BLM is initiating a public scoping process allowing individuals to submit comments and suggestions until March 17, 2025, which will help shape the EIS. The process is meant to ensure the leasing decisions comply with environmental laws and policies, and it includes opportunities for public input throughout different stages.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the termination of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Twin Metals Project, which was to evaluate the impacts of mining operations in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. This decision follows the cancellation of mineral leases by the Department of the Interior due to improper renewal and a withdrawal order that prohibits new mineral leasing for 20 years on the affected lands. As a result, Twin Metals no longer has the necessary land use authorization to proceed with its proposed project.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This decision, signed by the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, finalizes the plan to implement an oil and gas leasing program in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The decision follows the requirements set by a U.S. law to manage these leasing activities. Additional details, including the specific lands available for leasing and the rules for leasing operations, have been determined in the ROD.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing new rules to protect natural resources and ensure public safety on lands managed by the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices, as well as the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area in Colorado. These rules include regulations on camping, campfires, target shooting, and mechanized travel, with specific restrictions depending on the location to address concerns such as resource damage, wildlife disruption, and public safety. The rules will take effect on January 18, 2025, and exempt certain federal, state, or local officers acting within their official duties. Violating these rules could lead to fines and imprisonment.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing amendments to the consultation regulations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These changes pertain to land management plans by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The proposed revisions aim to make it clear that when new information emerges which could affect species or habitats in ways not previously considered, reinitiating consultation won't always be necessary, as long as a separate action-specific consultation is conducted for any related actions. The goal is to improve the efficiency and consistency of interagency cooperation procedures.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, published a notice explaining why it denied Utah Governor's recommendations concerning the resource management plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The BLM decided some of the Governor's suggestions didn't align with the national interest, which focuses on protecting the monument's unique landscape and historical resources. The BLM concluded that the state's recommendations did not provide a reasonable balance between state and national interests and, therefore, could not be accepted.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is calling for public nominations to fill vacancies on the Western Montana Resource Advisory Council (RAC). This council advises the BLM on land use planning and management in the Western Montana District. Nominations are open until January 13, 2025, and must include a completed application, reference letters, and information about the nominee's qualifications. Prospective members should be Montana residents and fit into one of three categories: users of public lands, representatives of groups with environmental or historical interests, or those holding certain public offices or roles in resource management.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a draft amendment and environmental impact statement concerning changes to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan and associated resource management plans. The proposal includes revising the management of 129 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern and adjusting land use to support renewable energy development while considering conservation. Public comments on this draft are invited within 90 days of its announcement in the Federal Register. The draft and related materials are available online, with public comment options listed for both online and mail submission.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dry Creek Trona Mine project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. This document follows the guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The final EIS evaluates the environmental impact of the project and selects Alternative D as the preferred option, which involves relocating the processing facilities and reducing the impact on nearby habitats. BLM will wait at least 30 days from the EPA's notice of the EIS publication in the Federal Register before making any decisions on the project.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has updated its procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include a new categorical exclusion (CX) for certain geothermal resource confirmation activities. This exclusion applies to activities like drilling to confirm a geothermal resource, provided they do not involve resource extraction and meet specific conditions, such as limiting surface disturbance to 20 acres and adhering to reclamation guidelines. This update aims to streamline approval processes while still protecting environmental resources, but it does not apply to geothermal power plant operations, which will undergo further review. Public feedback was considered, and changes were made to clarify the scope and requirements of the CX.