Statement on Low Federal Leasing and Permitting Levels

Press Release

In response to a request made to Secretary Jewell by Congressman Lamborn during last week's House Natural Resources Committee, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released their latest figures regarding onshore oil and natural gas leasing and permitting on federal land. These are the lowest numbers in over ten years.

BLM leased 1.2 million acres in 2013, down from 1.8 million acres leased the year before and the smallest area since at least 1988, the earliest year BLM reported data.
BLM issued 1,468 oil and natural gas leases in 2013, down from 1,729 issued the year before.
BLM issued 3,770 drilling permits in 2013, down from 4,256 permits issued the year before and the lowest level since 2002.

"The Obama Administration continues to hinder and stifle domestic energy production at a time when energy production on private and State land is producing American energy and American jobs. This administration continues to cast away high paying jobs, tremendous revenue and energy security. These actions are unacceptable for the economic future of the American people. At a time when our economy is struggling and Americans are searching high and low for good jobs, it is unconscionable for the Obama Administration to continue being a roadblock to increasing much-needed energy development on federal lands."

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