The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted a 30-day extension to the deadline for comments on proposed amendments to its existing resource management planning rules used to prepare, revise and amend the BLM’s land use plans.  

The proposed amendments are part of a broader effort by the BLM known as “Planning 2.0” to adapt its planning program to improve the land use planning procedures required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.  While many of the amendments are minor, there are major changes to the language regarding coordination with local governments, as well as a more limited scope and opportunity for public input.

The comment deadline extension is a result of numerous requests from stakeholders, including RCRC.  Originally, the BLM only offered a 60-day timeframe for stakeholders to submit written comments, with submissions due on April 25, 2016.  Comments are now due on May 24, 2016, and can be submitted by any of the following methods:

  • Mail: Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, N.W., Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004-AE39.
  • Personal or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street, S.E., Room 2134LM, Attention: Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20003.
  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

The full text of the proposed amendments to the planning rule and related documents can be accessed here.