Reforms for oil and gas drilling on Department of Interior lands

The Salt Lake Tribune ran a story this morning that includes a remarkably frank assessment from the Secretary of the Department of Interior on oil and gas leasing on public lands under the previous administration, and a summary of the way forward for oil and gas development on these lands.

The article, describes Secretary Salazar's candid take on the past:

"During the news conference, Salazar lashed out at the oil and gas industry, accusing drillers of treating public lands in the West like a candy store.

'Under the previous administration, the oil and gas companies were [essentially] kings of the world, with Interior their handmaiden,' Salazar said. 'Those from the industry who are crying out are simply crying because we are being thoughtful and supporting development in the right way and the right places.'"

More importantly, the secretary unveiled the agency's path for the future:

"Salazar's reforms, which affect drilling on public lands and offshore, mean the oil and gas industry still can nominate public-land parcels for lease sales, but before the sites are listed, BLM professionals will conduct on-the-ground analyses for potential resource conflicts.

The agency also will curb use of so-called categorical exclusions, which allow one broad environmental-impact statement on a drilling application to serve for all subsequent requests for drilling permits in the same area."

Good news for groups working hard to protect public lands and the rivers that flow through them.