DOI – Page 2 – Environmental and Energy Law Program

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Regulatory Tracker

BLM Methane Waste Prevention Rule

In 2024, BLM released a final rule to reduce the waste of natural gas from oil and gas operations on federal and Tribal land. In Nov. 2025, BLM announced it will delay enforcement of portions of the rule that had been scheduled to take effect Dec. 2025. Other portions of the rule remain in effect and BLM is considering revisions.

February 23, 2026

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

OSMRE Finalized Rule Reverting Ten-Day Notice Process to 2020 Framework

February 19, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

The Izembek Refuge Road

The Dept. of Interior and King Cove Corp. (KCC) signed a land swap agreement. The contract conveyed KCC 490 acres within the refuge in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned lands that would be added to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Native Villages and environmental advocacy groups filed three lawsuits to dispute the legality of the exchange.

November 12, 2025

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

Three Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers Suspended Operations Following DOI Funding Halt

September 30, 2025

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

Interior Released Emergency Permitting Procedures for Fossil Fuel and Critical Minerals Projects

April 23, 2025

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

Agencies Removed Environmental Justice Strategic Plans

January 20, 2025

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

Interior Published Procedures for Inclusion and Application of Indigenous Knowledge

January 17, 2025

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

DOI Released its Third Annual Report on Tribal Co-stewardship

December 9, 2024

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

DOI and USDA Finalized Rule to Increase Representation of Alaska Natives on Federal Subsistence Board

October 17, 2024