BLM issues final order for permit e-filing

The Bureau of Land Management has issued a final revision to its order switching the default technique for the filing of applications for permits to drill and notices of well staking from a paper-based process to online e-filing. At the end of July the agency had proposed the necessary regulatory change to bring the online system fully into use.

During the rollout of the new system, which began in October 2015, about 200 permits have been reviewed and approved in the system. Another 1,300 are currently being processed, BLM said on Dec. 21 when announcing the issue of the final order. Almost 500 operators representing 70 companies have provided feedback and participated in training during the rollout, BLM said.

The agency said that the e-filing system is part of an ongoing BLM effort to increase the efficiency and transparency of the drilling permit review and approval process. The drilling permit e-filing system complements BLM’s permit processing upgrades that automate aspects of the process, allow real-time feedback to operators and enhance BLM’s ability to manage workflows.

BLM has estimated that the new system will reduce average permit processing times from 200 days to 115 days for 90 percent of permits. And, although e-filing is now the default method of submitting a drilling permit application, an operator can request a waiver of the e-filing requirement in a situation where e-filing is not possible.

“Today’s rule concludes another key element of our oil and gas modernization program by moving BLM away from the hardcopy application process,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze when announcing the new e-filing order. “This administration has updated a number of business processes in the oil and gas program that will result in a better and more efficient experience for both industry and the BLM.”

- ALAN BAILEY