Document rBZv9YVmEKmejGZ6bo08bze10

FOIA001:01878659 To: MacGregor, Katharine[katharine_macgregor@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-23T16:28:52-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: FOR REVIEW: NPR-A O&G Lease Sale Materials Received: 2017-10-23T16:29:00-04:00 Hi -- sorry, don't understand. Can you call when you have a sec? Thx! Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 23, 2017, at 4:25 PM, MacGregor, Katharine <katharine macgregor@ios.doi.gov> wrote: I believe we do our NPRA lease sale on the same day that the State conducts their state-specific sale. Obviously we are still operating under the 2013 IAP for NPRA but the SO also directed us to review that IAP and consider revising to enhance access to acreage. There are no announcements on that yet. On Mon, Oct 23, 2017 at 4:12 PM, Rigas, Laura <laura rigas@ios.doi.gov> wrote: Hi all - Below please find BLM's draft release for the NPR-A oil and gas lease sale. It is set to publish on Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Federal Register, and be in the reading room on Wednesday (ie, will become public then). Micah is reaching out to the AK delegation to make them aware. Boss asked that we do a media event with them, and we are checking on availability/feasibility. Question -- should this be tied to the "Energy Burdens" report roll-out? If so, we could just include it in Wednesday's DOI release and BLM could send out what's below as a follow-on. Thanks, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 89 7 7022 cell @Interior BLM announces December 2017 NPR-A oil & gas lease sale FOIA001:01878659 ANCHORAGE-- In keeping with the Administration's goal of achieving American energy dominance, the Bureau of Land Management today announced in the Federal Register that it will hold an oil and gas lease sale in December within part of the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) via video livestream. "The Department of the Interior will harness our nation's Arctic resources on public lands - both onshore and offshore - in order to ensure an energydominant future for the citizens of this great country," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. "Alaska has long been an energy powerhouse and is home to one of our greatest energy infrastructure projects - the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The energy development that comes from lease sales in the NPR-A will ensure that TAPS continues to bring American energy to the people who need it long into the future." The December 6, 2017, sale will be the 13 th in the NPR-A since 1999, and will include all available tracts (covering 10.3 million acres) for lease. This is the first time all 900 tracts have been offered for lease. These tracts were designated as available for development in the 2013 Record of Decision for the Integrated Activity Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for the NPR-A. "BLM Alaska is committed to supporting energy development while fostering responsible stewardship of the environment," said Karen Mouritsen, Acting State Director for BLM Alaska. This December lease sale and future lease sales in the NPR-A demonstrate this Administration's commitment to the long term energy strength and economic growth of the State of Alaska." There are currently 189 authorized leases in the NPR-A, covering more than 1,372,688 acres. Bids received for the 12 previous sales generated more than $280 million, half of which was paid to the State of Alaska. From Aug. 7 through Sept 6 of this year, the BLM sought public input and nominations on all tracts within the NPR-A. The BLM received numerous comments and nominations on tracts available and unavailable for leasing. In February 2015, the BLM issued the Record of Decision for the Greater Mooses Tooth 1 oil and gas development project, opening the way for the first production of oil and gas on public land in the NPR-A. A second, proposed development project within the reserve, called Greater Mooses Tooth 2, is currently under environmental review by the BLM. The upcoming oil and gas lease sales are competitive. A detailed statement of sale, including a description of the tracts offered for lease, the lease terms, conditions and special stipulations, and how and where to submit the sealed bids, will be available at https://on.doi.gov/2fgHGRq. FOIA001:01878659 Sealed bids must be received by 4 p.m. (AKST) on Dec. 4, at the BLM-Alaska State Office. The BLM will open sealed bids submitted on the tracts offered at 1 p.m. (AKST) on Dec. 6, and will livestream the opening of the bids at www.blm.gov/live. Kate MacGregor Acting Assistant Secretary - Land and Minerals Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C ST NW Room 6625 Washington DC 20240 202 208 3671 (Direct) FOIA001:02268451 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] Cc: Magallanes, Downey[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov] From: Laura Rigas Sent: 2017-10-23T16:38:41-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: For Initial Review - Energy Burdens press release Received: 2017-10-23T16:38:49-04:00 Good by my directionally. Downey-- she will add more details below but are you ok with the way it's organized and the general burdens chosen? Thanks, L Laura Keehner Rigas Communications Director U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 897-7022 cell @Interior On Oct 23, 2017, at 4:17 PM, Swift, Heather <heather swift@ios.doi.gov> wrote: This is the general direction I'm going.... does this work for y'all? The teal will be hyperlinks. Department of the Interior Releases Energy Burdens Report Outlines progress to achieve American Energy Dominance (WASHINGTON) Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior released the the "Review of the Department of the Interior Actions that Potentially Burden Domestic Energy" report which was produced in response to Executive Order 13783. The report identified agency actions that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources, with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy resources. The Interior oversees America's oil, gas, coal, hydropower, and renewable energy resources which accounts for almost one-fifth of the Nation's energy and generates more than $10 billion per year in annual revenue. The report identified a number of burdens that specifically impede the production of and transportation of energy resources, including, but not limited to: Burdens and Actions Burden: Obama-Era 5-Year Plan o Why: Put 94% of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits, drastically limiting revenue, In 2008, offshore revenue topped $18 billion, in 2016 it was just more than $2 billion, in large part FOIA001:02268451 due to 94% off the OCS being put off-limits to responsible development o Action: Secretarial Order 3350, America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, started the process of developing a new 5 Year Plan to responsibly develop the OCS and generate muchneeded revenue. Burden: Federal Coal Lease Moratorium (Secretarial Order 3338 Discretionary Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to Modernize the Federal Coal Program) o Why: Nearly 40% of our nation's coal comes from public lands. o Action: Secretarial Order 3348, Concerning the Federal Coal Moratorium, repealed the Obama-era moratorium on new federal coal leases. Burden: Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands Rule (RIN 1004-AE26) and Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation AKA the Venting and Flaring Rule RIN 1004-AE14) o Why: o Action: Secretarial Order 3349: American Energy Independence put the rules under review and subsequent action by the Department Fracking: Following the initial review, the BLM rescinded the rule on July 25th Venting and Flaring: On October 5, 2017, the BLM issued a proposed rule seeking comment on temporarily suspending or delaying certain requirements of the rule. Burden: Unnecessarily lengthy NEPA reviews delay projects o Why: Extra time and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis adds to uncertainty for industry and leads to higher costs for taxpayers o Action: FOIA001:02268451 "NEPA Compliance for National Oil and Gas Lease Reinstatement Petitions" has resulted in additional analysis and review time that often involves another surface management agency, and in some instances, has let to adding new lease stipulations prior to lease reinstatement. Burden: Holding energy producers hostage via Compensatory Mitigation (Secretarial Order 3330) o Why: o Action: Burden: Systematic delays in the leasing program and permitting process o Why: o Action: Secretarial Order 3354 Supporting and Improving the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Federal Solid Mineral Leasing Program. In January 2017 there were 92 vacancies in key positions related to the permitting process. Since that time this administration has filled nearly half of those positions. The BLM is also modernizing the software used to track and coordinate permitting while seeking to add regional teams that will be able to greatly streamline the permitting process. So far this year the BLM has decreased their processing time for APDs by an average of 46 days. The report also detailed extensive action the Department has taken to advance American Energy Dominance at the Department of the Interior, including, but not limited to: Secretarial Order 3351: Strengthening the Department of the Interior's Energy Portfolio Secretarial Order 3352: National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska Secretarial Order 3353: Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation and Cooperation with Western States Review, repeal, and rewrite of the following rules: o "Well Control" Rule o Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior Press@ios.doi.gov FOIAOOI :02268460 To: Swift, Heather[heather_swift@ios.doi.gov] From: Nachmany, Eli Sent: 2017-10-23T16:40:58-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: why! Received: 2017-10-23T16:41:04-04:00 Burden: Obama-Era 5-Year Plan which put 94% of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits Why: Regulatory uncertainty has diminished opportunities for energy exploration, leasing, and development on the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as a regulatory environment in which the vast majority of the OCS was unable to be explored for develooment The orevious administration's five-vear olan would have an adverse effect on jobs, energy security, and revenue for the American people. Action: Secretarial Order 3350: America-First Offshore Energy Strategy n Burden: Federal Coal Lease Moratorium (Secretarial Order 3338 Discretionary Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to Modernize the Federal Coal Program) Bhy: The coal moratorium undermines American energy security, inhibits job creation, and negatively affects conservation stewardship. The moratorium runs counter to President Donald Trump's policy of promoting American energy independence and economic growth. Action: Burden: Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands Rule (RIN 1004-AE26) and Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation AKA the Venting and Flaring Rule (RIN 1004-AE14) Why: The compliance costs of the existing 2015 rule on hydraulic fracturing are not justified. All 32 states with Federal oil and gas leases and some tribes currently have laws or regulations that address hydraulic fracturing operations. Thus, rescinding the rule has the potential to reduce regulatory burdens by enabling oil and gas operations to occur under one set of regulations within each state or tribal lands, rather than two. Rescinding this rule mav result in additional interest in oil and gas development on public lands, especially under higher commodity prices. I The BLM conducted an initial review of the venting and flaring rule and found that it was inconsistent with the policy stated in E013783 that "it is in the national interest to promote clean and safe development of our nation's vast energy resources, while at the same time avoiding regulatory burdens that unnecessarily encumber energy production, constrain economic growth, and prevent job creation." The BLM recognizes that the 2016 final rule dosgs a substantial burden on industry, particularly those requirements that are set to become effective on January 17, 2018. Action: Secretarial Order 3349: American Energy Independence put the rules under review and subsequent action by the Department o Fracking: Following the initial review, the BLM rescinded the rule on July 25th o Venting and Flaring: On October 5, 2017, the BLM issued a proposed rule seeking comment on temporarily suspending or delaying certain requirements of the rule. FOIAOOI :02268460 Burden: Unnecessarily lengthy NEPA reviews delay projects Why: The Policy Instruction Memorandum on NEPA permitting has resulted in additional analyses and review time, often involving another surface management agency and, in some instances, leading to the addition of new lease stipulations prior to lease reinstatement. NEPA review timelines create little certainty and high expenses for energy development companies, as well as their delay of production. Action: Burden: Holding energy producers hostage via Compensatory Mitigation (Secretarial Order 3330) Why: Current compensatory mitigation policies have reduced predictability (internally and externally), created conflicts, and unnecessarily increased permitting/authorization timelines. Additionally, Industry stakeholders believe the mitigation planning goal exceeds statutory Action: Burden: Systematic delays in the leasing program and permitting process Why: A long period from acreage nomination to lease sale reduces industry certainty regarding the acreage it holds. These delays have rendered industry less able to plan for and execute exoloration and oroduction strateaies in a timely fashion, and less able to respond effectively to changing market conditions. Action: Secretarial Order 3354 Supporting and Improving the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Federal Solid Mineral Leasing Program Sincerely, Eli Nachmany Writer, U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Communications On Mon, Oct 23, 2017 at 3:42 PM, Swift, Heather cheather swift@ios.doi.gov> wrote: Department of the Interior Releases Energy Burdens Report Outlines progress to achieve American Energy Dominance (WASHINGTON) Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior released the the "Review of the Department of the Interior Actions that Potentially Burden Domestic Energy" report which was produced in response to Executive Order 13783. The report identified agency actions that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources, with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy resources. The Interior oversees America's oil, gas, coal, hydropower, and renewable energy resources which accounts for almost one-fifth of the Nation's energy and generates more than $10 billion per year in annual revenue. The report identified a number of burdens that specifically impede the production of FOIA001:02268460 and transportation of energy resources, including, but not limited to: Burdens and Actions Burden: Obama-Era 5-Year Plan which put 94% of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits Why: Action: Secretarial Order 3350: America-First Offshore Energy Strategy Burden: Federal Coal Lease Moratorium (Secretarial Order 3338 Discretionary Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to Modernize the Federal Coal Program) Why: Action: Burden: Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands Rule (RIN 1004AE26) and Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation AKA the Venting and Flaring Rule RIN 1004-AE14) Why: Action: Secretarial Order 3349: American Energy Independence put the rules under review and subsequent action by the Department o Fracking: Following the initial review, the BLM rescinded the rule on July 25th o Venting and Flaring: On October 5, 2017, the BLM issued a proposed rule seeking comment on temporarily suspending or delaying certain requirements of the rule. Burden: Unnecessarily lengthy NEPA reviews delay projects Why: Action: Burden: Holding energy producers hostage via Compensatory Mitigation (Secretarial Order 3330) Why: Action: Burden: Systematic delays in the leasing program and permitting process Why: Action: Secretarial Order 3354 Supporting and Improving the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Federal Solid Mineral Leasing Program Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather Swift@ios.doi.gov l Interior Press@ios.doi.gov FOIA001:02268460