Comment on FR Doc # 2026-12734

As the BLM makes revisions to the regulations governing oil and gas leasing, I think it is important that conservation interests be a central consideration. Responsible energy development must include minimal impacts to fish and wildlife, as well protecting water resources used by all. These are not mutually exclusive goals. It is also important that the public trust the process used by BLM. To do this will require full transparency and robust public involvement. Many of the proposed changes to current rules are problematic and risk degrading the environment and our quality of life. Specifically, I request that the final rule include the following elements: Maintain bonding requirements established in the 2024 Leasing Rule that eliminated nationwide bonds and increased minimum statewide bonds to $500,000 and the minimum individual lease bond amount to $150,000. Doing so will ensure that taxpayers are not left with the cost to reclaim public lands and waters impacted by oil and gas development. Provide ample opportunity for the public and state, local and Tribal governments to comment on oil and gas leasing proposals. This includes retaining the Eliminating the two 30-day public participation periods. Removing these would shut the public out of public land management decisions. This would mean that oil and gas leasing decisions will not be fully informed by new science and local knowledge. Preference criteria should continue to steer leasing away from sensitive fish and wildlife habitats, including lands with little to no oil and gas potential. Lease suspensions should be used sparingly. Oil and gas leaseholders should be held to a high standard to responsibly and diligently develop their leaseholds. Holding leases indefinitely does not serve the public interest. It can also restrict other land uses, such as fish and wildlife conservation. I hope my comments help the agency to craft a final regulation that encourages responsible public lands energy development by ensuring the wise use of our natural resources and protecting taxpayers. The agency needs the right tools to properly manage our public lands for multiple uses that include fish and wildlife conservation and quality hunting and angling opportunities. Thank you for your consideration.