# 2026-01655: Forest Service Speeds Up Oil Drilling Permits 2026-01655, Oil and Gas Resources, is a Federal Register rule from Agriculture Department, Forest Service published 2026-01-28, effective 2026-02-27; deemed significant under Executive Order 12866 (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01655 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2026-01655 - Title: Oil and Gas Resources - Type: Rule - Agencies: Agriculture Department; Forest Service - Citation: 91 FR 3643 - Published: 2026-01-28 - Effective: 2026-02-27 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: yes (FR_METADATA) - Touches household money: no - Regulation identifier numbers: 0596-AD33 - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line Forest Service Speeds Up Oil Drilling Permits ## Summary Starting February 27, 2026, the USDA’s Forest Service is updating the rules for oil and gas activities on National Forest lands. These changes affect companies leasing land for drilling by making the process clearer, improving how operations are monitored, and applying to both current and future leases. The updates aim to modernize and speed up approvals while keeping an eye on compliance, helping everyone work smarter and safer. ## Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department) is finalizing revisions to its regulations governing Federal oil and gas resources within the National Forest System (NFS). The Department is making these revisions to update and modernize its existing regulations. In addition, conforming technical amendments to other parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) affected by this rule are also being updated. The regulations revise the process for analyzing whether the USDA, Forest Service will consent to making certain lands available for oil and gas leasing by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The regulations also clarify requirements for conducting lease operations and revise procedures concerning monitoring operator compliance with all applicable terms and conditions of leasing. The revised regulations will apply to operations on both existing and future leases. ## Effects PRIA read - Faster Leasing Decisions for Operators: benefit, medium. Starting February 27, 2026, the Forest Service updates rules to modernize and speed up its leasing analysis and consent decisions so lands can be identified as available for BLM leasing more quickly. The rule reduces the amount of time the Agency allows itself to make leasing-consent decisions and… - Applies to Current and Future Leases: mixed, low. The final rule applies to operations on both existing and future Federal oil and gas leases on National Forest System lands, effective February 27, 2026. If you already hold a Federal lease or operate under one, the clarified requirements and procedures in this rule now apply to your operations as… - Stronger Bonding for Surface Reclamation: cost, medium. Under the final rule (effective February 27, 2026), the Forest Service can require additional financial assurance if BLM lease bonds are judged insufficient for surface reclamation. Operators may respond by increasing their BLM bond or posting a separate Forest Service surface reclamation bond; the… - Clearer Operator Duties and Access Requirements: cost, low. The rule clarifies operator responsibilities effective February 27, 2026: operators must comply with other applicable State and Federal laws, report spills/blowouts/fires/injuries reported to BLM, allow access to authorized Forest Service personnel for compliance inspections and other authorized pu… - Streamlined Noncompliance and Enforcement Procedures: cost, medium. Effective February 27, 2026, the Forest Service streamlines noncompliance procedures: it moves from a two-step to a one-step notice process, clarifies when it will shut down operations, may refer continued noncompliance to the BLM or law enforcement, and updates methods to notify operators includin… ## Related documents - [2026-16965](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16965): Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation, 2026-08-20 - [2026-20512](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20512): Purchaser Credit on Timber Sale Contracts, 2026-10-07 - [2026-18765](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18765): Mount Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands; New Mexico; Roca Honda Mine Project, 2026-09-14 - [2026-18239](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18239): Proposed Recreation Fee Sites, 2026-09-08 - [2026-18246](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18246): Proposed Recreation Fee Sites, 2026-09-08 - [2026-18240](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18240): Proposed Recreation Fee Sites, 2026-09-08 ## Sources - [2026-01655 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/28/2026-01655/oil-and-gas-resources) - [2026-01655 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-28/pdf/2026-01655.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2026-01648, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Postponement of Regulations](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01648) - [Next: 2026-01686, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Southeast Coast Guard Distr…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01686) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01655 (as of 2026-06-11).