BLM Moves to 100 Percent e-Filing of Drilling Permit Applications
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently completed a multi-year effort to upgrade its online drilling permit processing system. The new internet-based module will help the BLM reduce permit processing timeframes by 50 percent, while also increasing the efficiency and transparency of the drilling permit review and approval process.
The rollout of this new system was completed in phases, starting in October 2015. By year’s end, the BLM intends to shift to 100 percent electronic filing (or “e-filing”) of oil and gas drilling permits. To facilitate this shift, the BLM is also proposing a minor regulatory change today – an update to Onshore Order 1 – that would make e-filing the default method for submitting drilling permit applications.
“This modern, online system will result in a better and more efficient experience for both industry and the BLM,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “The new system is a big improvement over the current, hard copy based application system."
The new e-filing system automatically flags missing or incomplete information in an application, reducing one of the primary sources of delay in the current process. It also allows operators to track their permits through the entire review process, and by standardizing workflows it will enable the BLM to shift work among offices in response to demands. The new drilling permit application module was developed as part of the BLM’s broader update to its Automated Fluid Minerals Support System, and was the first component to be deployed.
The average permit processing time is currently 220 days. Once fully functional, the BLM anticipates that 90 percent of permit decisions will occur within 115 days of submission in cases where the BLM is the sole surface management agency. The new system is already in use in BLM Field Offices. To date, 101 applications have been processed using the new system. The experience with these applications suggests that the new system will achieve the anticipated processing time reductions.
The default method of submission under the BLM’s existing regulations is via hard copy. In order to realize the advantages that come from e-filing, the proposed update to Onshore Order 1, released today, would make e-filing the default. However, recognizing that extenuating circumstances may exist, the proposed update to Onshore Order 1 includes a waiver process that would allow operators to file via hard copy in certain circumstances, such as when online access may be limited or nonexistent. The proposed rule would also apply to Notices of Staking, which serve as a request by oil and gas operators to schedule an on-site inspection of a prospective well location.
The proposed rule may be viewed online at https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-17400. The BLM encourages the public to participate in the process by submitting comments on the proposed rule by August 29, 2016.
Comments may be submitted through one of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions at this Web site.
• Mail: U.S. Department of the Interior, Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, Mail Stop 2134 LM, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240 Attention: Regulatory Affairs.
• Personal/messenger delivery: Bureau of Land Management, 20 M. Street SE, Room 2134 LM, Attention: Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20003.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.