"Environmentalists had mixed reactions to the proposal, with some calling it an inadequate step in the face of looming climate disaster."

"The Biden administration on Thursday took a first step toward reforming and “modernizing” the federal oil and gas leasing program.

The Interior Department’s proposed rule, which is now open to public comment, would significantly increase how much energy companies must pay to lease and drill on federal lands. It would also give the Bureau of Land Management greater authority to keep fossil fuel development away from sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites.

The new rule “provides a fair return to taxpayers, adequately accounts for environmental harms and discourages speculation by oil and gas companies,” Laura Daniel-Davis, principal deputy assistant Interior secretary for land and minerals management, said in a statement."

Chris D'Angelo reports for HuffPost July 20, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Biden Administration Moves to Raise the Cost of Drilling on Federal Lands" [3]