An online report by the Environmental Working Group outlines the leasing of federal land to oil and gas companies.

The study, based on records from the Bureau of Land Management, shows that 229 million acres have been leased since 1982. But less than half of the acreage is being used by drilling companies, the group said.

The Bush administration has sought to increase drilling projects on federal lands, citing barriers to development. But the Environmental Working Group says its study refutes the claim that more land needs to be opened to the industry.

Get the Story:
Report Details Energy Leasing (The Washington Post 8/25)
pwpwd
Energy Companies Don't Use Half of Federal Land They Lease (The New York Times 8/25)
pwnyt

Relevant Links:
Who Owns the West? http://www.ewg.org/oil_and_gas

Related Stories:
Interior to reduce approval of drilling projects (8/18)