Analysis of the processing of permits to drill on federal lands
Delays encountered in obtaining permits to drill discourage the production of oil and gas from federal lands. US Geological Survey studies show a mean approval time of 67 days compared to the 30-day limit in the guidelines. A study by Everett and Associates found the most frequent cause of delay to be the actions of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in its role as a surface management agency (SMA). The study found that BLM procedures, archaeological clearance, and bonding are the major contributors to lengthy processing. The major agency delays occur in formulating permit stipulations and in providing SMA clearance. The rise in agency delays parallels an increase in mean approval time from 37 to 67 days. Proposals to streamline the process by eliminating overlapping procedures, having the operator assume more project responsibility, and mandating inspections could reduce approval times by one third. The report includes details of the review process and specific suggestions to improve efficiency. 12 references, 4 figures, 18 tables.
- OSTI ID:
- 6598199
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Surface-operating standards for oil and gas exploration and development 'Gold Book', (third edition)
Streamlining the Federal geothermal leasing and permitting process: background papers, analysis and recommendations
Related Subjects
021000* -- Petroleum-- Legislation & Regulations
03 NATURAL GAS
031000 -- Natural Gas-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
294002 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Petroleum
294003 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Natural Gas
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
COOPERATION
DRILLING
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PERMIT APPLICATIONS
PERMITS
PUBLIC LANDS
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS
WELL DRILLING