The reformed policy, which Salazar announced earlier today, will require more detailed reviews before leases are issued, will allow for more public involvement in developing master leasing and development plans, and will shift the focus of new drilling toward areas already being developed. The reforms also create an Energy Reform Team to identify and implement the reforms.

In the past, BLM has used categorical exclusions to approve leases, which allows leases to be rubber stamped based on existing environmental analysis rather than relying on new reviews. Based on today’s announcement, BLM will no longer be allowed to use those exclusions in cases of “extraordinary circumstances” — meaning drilling that could impact protected species, historic or cultural resources, or human health and safety.

via Stricter Rules for Oil and Gas Leasing on Federal Land – ProPublica.