The Interior Department proposed a new rule that would change how the federal government determines the value of fossil fuels produced on public lands. Proposed by the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, the rule would eliminate “unnecessary reporting requirements.” It is one of several oil and gas rules the department advanced in June 2026, alongside separate proposals to cut bonding requirements and roll back methane waste-prevention standards.
“This proposed rule cuts useless bureaucratic drag so companies can focus on what they do best—producing affordable, domestic energy—while securing a fair return for the American taxpayer. It is a win for our economy, a win for energy security, and a win for every American consumer.” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum
The proposed rule supports two of Trump’s executive orders. The Unleashing American Energy order directed federal agencies to review regulations, and “identify those agency actions that impose an undue burden on…domestic energy resources.” Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation directed agencies to identify at least 10 orders to eliminate.
Paying More For Clean Up
The proposed rule also reduces bonding levels, erasing the gains made in 2024. It requests comments from people on whether there should be nationwide bonds. The 2024 rule eliminated that possibility. If nationwide bonds are reauthorized, the BLM would price them at a minimum of $150,000. According to the Center for Western Priorities, that would mean the American people would pay for more of the cost of cleaning up the mess the oil and gas industries leave behind. It also drastically reduces lease application fees, which cover the cost of doing NEPA reviews, from $3,100 to $155.
“Reduced bonding will threaten wildlife by accelerating habitat fragmentation, pollution, and environmental degradation, which could lead to an unsalvageable future for wildlife. Our wildlife deserves better than having their well-being repeatedly put at risk by political decisions.” Stephanie Altman, Senior Energy & Biodiversity Specialist, Defenders of Wildlife
Methane Emissions Would Soar
A requirement to monitor and fix methane leaks would be canceled, letting oil and gas companies off the hook. From 2012 to 2021, about 300 billion cubic feet of natural gas were vented or flared on federal lands. That could have powered 3.2 million households for one year.
Methane has a warming potential 80 times that of carbon dioxide. The oil and gas industries are the largest source of methane emissions in the U.S. Methane not only contributes to climate change but also worsens air quality by forming ozone and particulate pollution.
Trump Pays His Masters
During the 2024 campaign, the oil and gas industry gave $11 million to Republican candidates; $2 million of it went to Trump’s campaign. That’s $2 million worth of reasons why Trump does what he can to benefit those who helped him become president for the second time at the expense of our public lands.
Image credit: Bureau of Land Management on Flickr under a Creative Commons License.
