Some of Utah’s resource management plans (RMPs) that are under revision have been identified as “Time Sensitive Resource Management Plans” to timely address energy resources studied under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). In Utah, these include the Price and Vernal RMPs.

Under EPCA, signed into law by former President Clinton in 2000, federal agencies were tasked with developing a national inventory of all oil and gas resources and reserves beneath federal lands. This data is now being incorporated into RMPs to plan for multiple uses on the public lands, and specifically plan for the responsible development of energy resources in these areas.

The EPCA report examines oil and gas resources of five major geologic basins in the West, three of which are partially located in Utah (Uintah/Piceance, Paradox/San Juan, and the Greater Green River Basin). In the act, Congress requested that the study not only provide an estimate of oil and gas resources and reserves, but also information on any constraints that may limit development of these energy resources.

Use of the EPCA study in planning for Utah’s federally managed lands is crucial to meeting the rising energy demands of the state. Since the majority of the region relies on locally generated coal and natural gas to heat homes and provide electricity, these local resources are necessary prevent the additional costs and environmental impacts associated with importing resources from other states. Although many of Utah’s oil and gas wells only generate average production, the cumulative production meets the needs of the region and reduces future dependency on foreign supplies.

In the planning process, the EPCA inventory will be used to determine oil and gas leasing stipulations and lease restrictions. It will also be used to determine criteria for waivers, exceptions, and modifications. In some cases the review may result in strengthening stipulations or lessening stipulations dependent upon the current conditions being addressed. Reviewing the stipulation information can not supersede any of the laws and regulations that BLM must already follow.

The planning process for mineral development has and will continue to involve the public. BLM is working in a collaborative manner with stakeholders to ensure responsible development of mineral resources. Integrating the EPCA inventory during the planning process will lay a foundation for sound management decisions that meet the nation’s rising energy demands while protecting other important resources.

In addition to oil, gas and coalbed natural gas, the RMPs will also address solid mineral development (such as coal) and renewable energy resources (geothermal, wind, etc.) Energy development requires various types and durations of land use, from temporary staging areas used only a few days or weeks, to facilities which may be present for 30 years or more. These uses and impacts will also be addressed in the plans. Most of these areas can be restored to a near natural state after energy resources are extracted.

For more information on EPCA and planning efforts see the links below, or the RMP websites.
 - Overview of EPCA inventory
 - How EPCA findings will be incorporated into land use planning efforts

Oil and Gas Leasing
In the land use planning process, areas are identified as:

• Open lease areas with standard lease terms, 
• Open for leasing subject to controlled surface use with special stipulations, 
• Open for leasing but no surface occupancy allowed, and
• Closed to leasing.

All leases are subject to all federal laws and regulations; including, but not limited to endangered species, cultural resources, air and water quality.

Post Oil and Gas Lease Approval of Operations
Following issuance of a lease, the lease holder must submit an application for permit to drill. This application process is very rigorous and comprehensive. The basic requirements are outlined in Onshore Order #1.