The federal oil and gas leasing process plays a critical role in deciding whether, where and when oil and gas resources on public lands are developed, the revenue the government takes in, and the extent to which the local environment is protected. But the process is due for an update. Recognizing the need for reforms, President Joe Biden temporarily suspended oil and gas lease sales in January while his administration could review the program—a review that is still ongoing.

On November 15, EPIC hosted Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau for a conversation on the future of oil and gas drilling on federal lands, moderated by The Washington Post’s Juliet Eilperin. Harris Public Policy’s Ryan Kellogg, who provided recommendations to reform the process with Booth scholar Thom Covert earlier this year, joined the conversation.