Story perspectives

Trump Admin Slashes Lease Comment Periods, Cuts Cleanup Bonds

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The administration will cut public comment periods on federal oil and gas leases from 90 to 10 days.
The Interior Department also proposes lowering the cleanup bond from $500,000 to $25,000 and permitting higher methane emissions on lands.
Advocates say the revisions shift cleanup costs to taxpayers and undermine democratic participation.
Critics note record oil-and-gas donations to President Donald Trump’s campaign and a broader push to curb NEPA comment rules.

1 of 1

Story summary

The administration will cut public comment periods on federal oil and gas leases from 90 to 10 days.
The Interior Department also proposes lowering the cleanup bond from $500,000 to $25,000 and permitting higher methane emissions on lands.
Advocates say the revisions shift cleanup costs to taxpayers and undermine democratic participation.
Critics note record oil-and-gas donations to President Donald Trump’s campaign and a broader push to curb NEPA comment rules.