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 a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the BLM;
- supports the drafting of an MOA to formalize an enhanced cooperative and consultative relationship with the BLM;
- affirms the authority for the BLM to enter into such an MOA;
- urges the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to immediately initiate negotiations with the BLM to formalize the MOA;
- recognizes benefits of the MOA; and
- recognizes that the final MOA 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.