Calling all Wyoming Producers: We need your help getting DOI to issue millions of dollars worth of leases it has already sold!
posted on: Dec 09, 2009
Calling all Wyoming Producers: We need your help getting DOI to issue millions of dollars worth of leases it has already sold!
Across the West, the Department of Interior is refusing to issue $100 million worth of leases that it has already sold. The situation in Wyoming is especially egregious, where DOI is currently holding $52 million worth of unissued leases.
After repeated failed attempts to get DOI to address this growing problem, recent IPAMS’ studies have brought to light certain actions by DOI that are making it even more difficult to develop the abundant and affordable domestic natural gas America needs to address our pressing economic, environmental, and energy challenges.
IPAMS met with BLM Wyoming State Director Don Simpson and Deputy State Director Larry Claypool in late November. In these meetings we learned that Interior Secretary Salazar’s office has essentially removed BLM from the decision-making process. Since we have little recourse with the BLM, we’re working with Governor Freudenthal’s office, asking the Governor to address the issue directly with Secretary Salazar.
The Governor’s staff has assured us that he understands the issue and the effect these policies could have on the 73,000 Wyoming jobs created by our industry. Gov. Freudenthal is planning on meeting with Secretary Salazar to ensure DOI understands the leasing process and the economic consequences of slowing down energy production in Wyoming.
Interior’s continued failure to follow established procedure in its onshore leasing program has created uncertainty for producers, making it more difficult to raise capital and plan for the development we need to ensure a reliable supply of domestic energy. We were encouraged to hear that Secretary Salazar say last week that “…it is important for the oil and gas industry to have certainty,” and hope to soon see actions that back up these words.
Although Governor Freudenthal understands the problem, he needs concrete examples of how DOI’s refusal to issue leases is hurting Wyoming businesses in order to make the case to DOI. Please help us by explaining to the Governor how the extreme delay in issuing leases has affected your company.
Click here to view suggested format and optional talking points to send to Governor Freudenthal.
Please don’t hesitate to contact IPAMS staff or me if you have any questions.
