Interior Department will assess harm to the environment versus value to energy.
The president’s administration announced the launch of a formal climate review of the federal coal program. Federal oil and gas leases have been paused pending this review of the program. The Interior Department will be taking public comment on the review until September 20.
At issue are questions about climate change and the rate of return for taxpayers. Specifically, the review will look at whether taxpayers are receiving a fair return under the current system and whether it is being done in a way that is consistent with the nation’s climate goals as well as potential environmental effects.
“Given previous concerns about the lack of cooperation in the lease by application system, as well as consideration of the Biden Administration’s environmental goals, the BLM is beginning a new review of the federal coal leasing program,” the notice posted in the Federal Register said. The notice also asks for input about potential new leasing methods of reforms, approaches to increasing competition in the leasing policies, and how to account for mine cleanup.
The department has also been separately reviewing changes to federal oil and gas leasing on public lands and in public waters.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For scientists and officials who will be conducting the review of the impact of fossil fuel mining on the climate.
- For the administration to consider, during this review, the royalties that companies pay for mining on federal lands.
- For the Interior secretary as mine safety and the conditions miners face are evaluated.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
