Interior Department to Expedite Oil, Gas Leasing Process on Federal Lands

The revised policy will put the United States ‘on a fast track to energy dominance,’ according to an Interior Department official.

Pump jacks used for gas and oil extraction are seen over the Monterey Shale formation in Lost Hills, Calif., on March 24, 2014. David McNew/Getty Images

The Department of the Interior (DOI) unveiled its revised policy on May 13 aimed at accelerating the oil and gas leasing process on public lands as part of an effort to boost U.S. energy production.

The revised policy will enable the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to complete a parcel review process for oil and gas lease sales within six months from the start of scoping, the department said in a statement.