--- title: "ENERGY 101: Issue 3 the RMP" description: "In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the first step in the federal lands leasing process: the Resource Management Plan." image: https://charcross.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1075619993.jpeg --- [![Andrea Miles](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Andrea%20Miles.png?width=233&height=45&name=Andrea%20Miles.png "Andrea Miles")](https://charcross.com/) - [Services](https://charcross.com/services) - [Energy 101](https://charcross.com/energy101) - [About Us](https://charcross.com/about-us) - [Resources](https://charcross.com/blog) [Talk to Us](https://charcross.com/meet) ![](https://charcross.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1075619993.jpeg) October 15, 2025 By Andrea Miles ## ENERGY 101: Issue 3 the RMP ##### Share: - - - In the last issue of [ENERGY 101](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-federal-lands-overview), we discussed the various federal agencies that are involved in developing energy projects on federal lands. But before a company can drill a well or build a solar farm, it must secure rights to access the property. On private lands, this process is usually straightforward: the landowner and the company negotiate the terms, agree on payment, and sign a lease. On public lands – particularly in the West – the process is far more complex. That complexity is intentional — because these lands are held in trust for all Americans, federal stewards must weigh a broad range of factors to ensure the land is managed for the greatest overall benefit. ![AdobeStock_1614593793](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_1614593793.jpeg?width=609&height=341&name=AdobeStock_1614593793.jpeg) In this post, we’ll take a closer look at **the first step** in the federal lands leasing process:  the **Resource Management Plan**.  ![3 (2)](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3%20(2).png?width=385&height=385&name=3%20(2).png) #### **Land Use Planning** Before any leasing can occur, BLM must determine whether lands are **open or closed** to leasing through Resource Management Plans (RMPs). The RMP determines where and under what conditions leasing can occur.  Lands are classified as open, closed, or open with stipulations (such as seasonal restrictions or no-surface-occupancy zones). An RMP is designed to serve as a long-term blueprint for how BLM manages public lands in a given area. Once finalized, an RMP typically remains in place for 15 to 20 years and stays in effect until BLM decides to either amend it for a specific issue or conduct a full revision when major changes are needed. RMPs are intended to be durable and to provide consistency and predictability. They outline the “rules of the road” for multiple uses of public lands — oil and gas leasing, renewable energy, grazing, recreation, wildlife, timber, cultural resources, and more — under BLM’s multiple-use mandate. That mandate requires BLM to balance competing demands, so the RMP provides a **comprehensive, integrated strategy** that agencies, industries, communities, and the public can rely on for decades. Each RMP covers a huge area of land and minerals, with some covering more than ten million acres!  For example, the [Buffalo, Wyoming RMP & Final EIS (2015)](https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/36597/510) totals approximately 1,600 pages and covers about 800,000 surface acres and 4.7 million acres of mineral estate. ![](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined.png?width=1576&height=1218&name=undefined.png) **Who prepares the RMP?** The responsibility for preparing an RMP falls squarely on the BLM.  Multi-disciplinary planning teams carry out the detailed work, while the BLM State Director oversees the process. Because public lands touch so many interests, consultation is a key part of the process. Federal agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service provide input, as does the Army Corps of Engineers. State and local governments participate, and tribal governments must be formally consulted.  ![Screenshot 2025-10-13 at 7.33.54 PM](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%207.33.54%20PM.png?width=406&height=314&name=Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%207.33.54%20PM.png) Beyond government, the public has a seat at the table through scoping meetings, public comment periods, and the right to protest proposed RMPs. Industry stakeholders — from energy companies to ranchers, recreation groups, and environmental organizations — also participate. **For more information about how the public is involved in the planning process,** visit the [BLM website. ](https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation) Developing an RMP is not quick. It’s a deliberative process that usually takes three to five years or longer, depending on the scope of the plan, the complexity of resources at issue, the level of public controversy, and potential litigation. The steps typically include: ![1 (3)](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1%20(3).png?width=700&height=700&name=1%20(3).png) Because environmental review is required, all RMPs must comply with the **National Environmental Policy Act. ** (Spoiler alert:  we’ll dive much deeper into what NEPA is and what the law requires in a later ENERGY 101 post.) **What goes into a RMP?** Since the RMP determines which lands are open or closed to leasing and the conditions under which various activities can occur, it’s critical to collect reliable data.  This includes collecting physical, biological, cultural, economic, and legal data and housing it under the RMP framework. The final “Record of Decision” is a detailed scientific inventory, a policy roadmap, and historical record.  Here’s a quick snapshot of the key elements and examples found in a typical RMP: ![2 (2)](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2%20(2).png?width=800&height=800&name=2%20(2).png) #### **Summary** In short, the RMP is the Big Picture:  it establishes the framework for how public lands are managed and guides development while balancing conservation, recreation, and cultural values. Covering vast landscapes, the RMP is developed in collaboration with agencies, governments, stakeholders, and the public to create a comprehensive and enduring blueprint.  Next up: Leasing       #### About Author [Andrea Miles](https://charcross.com/blog/author/andrea-miles) #### You may also like [![](https://charcross.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1075619993.jpeg)](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-issue-3-the-rmp) October 16, 2025 #### [ENERGY 101: Issue 3 the RMP](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-issue-3-the-rmp) In the last issue of [ENERGY 101](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-federal-lands-overview), we discussed the various federal agencies that are involved in... [Read More](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-issue-3-the-rmp) [![](https://charcross.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_415048418.jpeg)](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-federal-lands-overview) July 16, 2025 #### [ENERGY 101: Federal Lands Overview](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-federal-lands-overview) About ten years ago, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for an MBA class at the University of... [Read More](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-federal-lands-overview) [![](https://charcross.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_332379969.jpeg)](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-series-location-location-location) June 25, 2025 #### [ENERGY 101 Series: Location, Location,...](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-series-location-location-location) I recently took a road trip from Oklahoma to Southern California with a fellow energy nerd and her... [Read More](https://charcross.com/blog/energy-101-series-location-location-location) ## Subscribe our newsletter to get latest news & updates Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit [![charing-cross-logo](https://charcross.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Andrea%20Miles.png?width=150&height=29&name=Copy%20of%20Andrea%20Miles.png "charing-cross-logo")](https://charcross.com/) Experts in energy law and policy consulting, empowering businesses with strategic insights ###### Services - [Regulatory](https://charcross.com/services#regulatory) - [Policy Impact](https://charcross.com/services#policy) - [Communications](https://charcross.com/services#communications) ###### Resources - [Blog](https://charcross.com/blog) ###### Company - [About Us](https://charcross.com/about-us) - [Privacy Policy](https://charcross.com/privacy) - [Contact Us](https://charcross.com/send-us-a-message-charing-cross-strategies) © 2026 Charing Cross Strategies LLC. 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