AXPC Urges BLM to Finalize Oil and Gas Leasing, Waste Prevention Rule Reforms to Strengthen America’s Energy Independence  

August 25, 2026 

WASHINGTON – The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) yesterday submitted comments on two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed rules governing federal oil and natural gas operations, the Oil and Gas Leasing Rule and the Waste Prevention Rule, which implement key provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

AXPC expressed support for the Administration’s proposals to increase regulatory certainty on federal lands while offering targeted recommendations to ensure the rules are workable in the field, legally durable, adhere to congressional mandates, and enable leading independent producers to continue developing taxpayer-owned resources to the benefit of the American people. 

“AXPC supports BLM’s efforts to eliminate unnecessary roadblocks that deter investment and provide the regulatory clarity essential for responsible energy development,” said Wendy Kirchoff, AXPC Senior Vice President of Policy. “We look forward to working with the Administration to finalize common-sense reforms that streamline outdated procedures, reduce compliance costs, and establish clear, objective standards consistent with congressional mandates.” 

Waste Prevention Rule 

BLM’s proposed reforms to the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule would streamline royalty determinations, reduce compliance burdens, and recognize the agency’s authority to regulate royalty management – not air quality – consistent with the Mineral Leasing Act. BLM’s framework has been subject to repeated legal challenges and regulatory reversals as successive administrations have adopted conflicting approaches, leaving operators without stable, predictable standards. BLM’s current proposal would bring needed resolution and the program in alignment with Section 50103 of the OBBBA and Executive Order 14154, addressing many of the concerns industry raised in comment letters filed during the prior Administration.  

Oil and Gas Leasing Rule 

BLM’s proposal implements OBBBA’s directive to restore timely access to federal mineral resources and remove unnecessary obstacles that deter energy development. AXPC supports key elements of BLM’s approach to reform the 2024 Leasing Rule, including removing discretionary leasing preference criteria that duplicated the land use planning process, restoring the ability for companies to lease available federal lands after competitive sales conclude, and reinstating tiered bonding structures that provided appropriate financial assurance while allowing flexibility based on operator size and track record. 

Read AXPC’s full comment letters: 

• Waste Prevention Rule Comments 

• Oil and Gas Leasing Rule Comments