HECHO Statement: Department of Interior Releases Oil and Gas Rulemaking

The Department of Interior has released a long-anticipated oil and gas rulemaking. The Biden administration’s oil and gas rule is a win for Western communities that is long overdue. The common-sense reforms outlined by the administration cement provisions from recent and popular federal legislation. The rule reduces conflict between drilling and other uses that are essential to supporting Westerners’ way of life.

“We applaud the Department of the Interior for proposing common-sense reforms to the federal oil and gas leasing program that would revise outdated fiscal terms of the onshore federal oil and gas leasing program - including bonding requirements, royalty rates, and minimum bids – which would increase returns to the public and disincentive speculators or less responsible actors,” says Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “When the rule is finalized, our oil and gas program will better reflect the needs of our communities that use this land to recreate, hunt, fish, and engage in longstanding family traditions. For too long, critical public lands have been mismanaged and prioritized for the benefit of oil and gas corporations, and our communities have been left behind. Hispanics, specifically, are disproportionately affected by oil and gas pollution. This proposed rule brings the leasing program into the 21st century and puts our families and public lands first.” 

Read more about the oil and gas rulemaking here.