The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on giving the government more flexibility to set fees for oil and gas drilling on public lands. Via the Associated Press, government auditors have questioned the current 12.5% royalty, but a higher fee could discourage oil and gas exploration. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement a “candid conversation” is needed about whether taxpayers are adequately compensated for oil and gas drilling on public lands. The department also said it would review the cost of doing business on federal lands.
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