The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has proposed rescinding a rule restricting oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in the US state of Alaska. The 2024 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule was determined to be inconsistent with the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, exceeding the agency’s statutory authority. The proposal seeks to restore the original intent of the Act for the management of the area and eliminate roadblocks to energy production.
The National Petroleum Reserve (approx. 9 million hectares on Alaska’s North Slope) was set aside by Congress for oil and gas exploration and development for energy security and policy in reaction to the oil crisis in the 1970’s. The BLM administers the reserve pursuant to the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act, which mandates an “expeditious program of competitive leasing” while balancing the protection of surface resources. The 2024 rule significantly expanded procedural requirements and created a presumption against oil and gas activity in approximately 5 million hectares designated as “Special Areas” unless operators could prove minimal or no adverse effects on surface resources.
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