On December 10, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced proposed updates to 50-year old regulations that currently govern the management of non-federal oil and gas development on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. The proposed changes will continue responsible development but will require industry best management practices, including for abandoned infrastructure and debris. The changes are intended to reduce refuge impacts, including habitat loss, wildlife impacts and other risks to ecological integrity.

"These proposed rule revisions strike an appropriate balance between the rights of owners to develop energy resources with the Service's critical role in protecting refuges and the fish and wildlife that depend upon them," said FWS Director Dan Ashe. "Refuges are national treasures offering unparalleled opportunities for Americans of all ages, means and backgrounds to hunt, fish, hike, boat and just enjoy being outdoors. We owe it to this and future generations to meet our mission responsibility."

Comments are being accepted on the proposed revisions until February 9, 2016. More information on the proposed rule and how to comment are available on the FWS website.