Background
Nearly one-third of U.S. land is managed by the Department of the Interiorʼs (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for multiple purposes, including conservation of natural resources, recreation, resource extraction and grazing. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 directs land managers to promote multiple use of federal lands in a manner that will ensure sustained yields from natural resources. Domestic natural gas production is expected to account for 60 percent or more of the total annual U.S. natural gas supply through the year 2025. While natural gas producers in the United States are working hard to meet market demands, many new areas for gas production face key restrictions or stipulations impeding development. Greater access to public lands for domestic natural gas production will help meet rising demand and reduce price volatility for American consumers.
The vast energy and mineral resources under BLMʼs jurisdiction gives the agency a key role in ensuring our country has an adequate domestic supply of energy necessary for the security of our families, our communities and our nation. These priorities can be met without diminishing the BLMʼs ability to manage other important interests.
AGA Viewpoint
To expand supply and reduce price volatility, AGA continues to urge the DOI to balance other competing uses for federal lands in a manner that does not unduly restrict access to natural gas supplies on non-park federal lands, especially in the Inter-Mountain West.
AGA closely follows BLM land use management activity, and has filed comments supporting land use decisions in the Inter-MountainWest that take into consideration the effect of natural gas supply and price on consumers.
AGA Contacts: Pam Lacey, (202) 824-7340, placey@aga.org; Tom Moskitis, (202) 824-7031,
tmoskitis@aga.org