Interior plans stricter process for oil and gas leases
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced reforms to the oil and gas leasing process that he said will reverse the Bush administration's "anywhere, anyhow" view of drilling.

Salazar said the Bureau of Land Management will require a more detailed environmental review of drilling projects on federal lands. The public will have more opportunity to participate in the process, he said.

The changes do not affect oil and gas leasing on Indian lands.

Get the Story:
Salazar announces tougher rules on drilling (AP 1/6)
Interior Chief Vows Scrutiny of Oil and Gas Leases (The New York Times 1/7)
Salazar unveils drilling reforms, points to Utah missteps (The Salt Lake Tribune 1/7)

Relevant Documents:
Press Release | Secretarial Order | Fact Sheet | Comparison of Changes