The Biden administration has announced a formal public comment period to solicit input on the future of fossil fuel leasing on federal lands and waters, a process that could lead to significant changes in U.S. energy policy. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will accept comments for 60 days, starting July 1, 2026.
Background and Context
Federal lands and waters account for about 22% of U.S. oil production and 12% of natural gas production. The move comes after President Joe Biden signed an executive order in January 2026 pausing new oil and gas leases pending a comprehensive review. The administration has faced pressure from environmental groups to permanently halt new leasing, while industry advocates argue that leasing restrictions could harm domestic energy production and raise prices.
Public Comment Process
The BLM and BOEM will hold virtual public meetings in July and August 2026 to gather feedback. The agencies are specifically seeking input on the environmental and economic impacts of leasing, as well as potential reforms to the leasing program. “We want to hear from all stakeholders—tribes, environmental justice communities, industry, and the public—to inform our path forward,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning in a statement.
Industry and Environmental Reactions
The American Petroleum Institute (API) criticized the move, warning that it could lead to a de facto ban on new leases. “This administration is using bureaucracy to choke off American energy,” said API President Mike Sommers. Meanwhile, environmental groups praised the initiative. “This is a critical step toward aligning our public lands with climate goals,” said Lena Moffitt, executive director of Evergreen Action.
Potential Impacts
A 2025 report from the Congressional Budget Office estimated that a permanent ban on new federal leases could reduce U.S. oil production by 2 million barrels per day by 2030. However, the administration argues that existing leases and technological advances can offset some of the decline. The comment period will close on August 30, 2026, after which the BLM and BOEM will issue a report summarizing the feedback and outlining next steps.
