This resolution supports the effort to formalize a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to enhance the efficiency of the permit review process for oil, gas, and mining operations on BLM lands.
This resolution:
- discusses the intent to enter into and the benefits of an agreement with the BLM;
- supports the drafting of an agreement to formalize an enhanced cooperative and consultative relationship with the BLM;
- affirms the authority for the BLM to enter into such an agreement;
- urges the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to immediately initiate negotiations with the BLM to formalize an agreement;
- recognizes benefits of an agreement; and
- recognizes that the final agreement must explicitly state that the Secretary of the Interior or the authorized officer of the BLM retains the ultimate, non-delegable authority and final decision-making authority over the issuance of federal leases and permits.