Bureau of Land Management July 13, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rio Puerco Field Office and by this notice is announcing the opening of the public comment period.

Under the authority of the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a draft Order of the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary's Order) to address oil, gas, and potash leasing and development within the Designated Potash Area in Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico. The draft Secretary's Order would supersede the current Secretary's Order that addresses those issues. By this notice, the BLM announces the opening of a 30-day public comment period regarding the draft Secretary's Order. The revised guidelines in the draft Secretary's Order are designed to further promote the efficient development of potash, oil, and gas resources, while minimizing conflict between the industries and ensuring the safety of operations. Among other benefits, the revised guidelines are expected to enhance the safety of underground potash miners and allow for full development of oil and gas leaseholds with fewer environmental impacts.