What impacts and issues are addressed in the Oil Shale and Tar Sands PEIS?
The BLM is soliciting comments and suggestions for consideration in the preparation of the PEIS. Preliminary issues and management concerns have been identified by BLM personnel, other agencies, and in meetings with individuals and user groups. The major issues that will be addressed in the PEIS include: • Management of the oil shale and tar sands resources; • Surface and groundwater protection; • Air quality protection; • Wildlife and wildlife habitat quality and fragmentation; • Protection of wilderness, riparian, and scenic values; • Cultural resource protection; • Threatened and endangered species and habitat protection; • Multiple mineral development; and • Socioeconomic impacts on local economies. After the BLM has gathered public input on issues the plan should address, the BLM will categorize comments as follows: • Issues to be addressed in the PEIS; • Issues to be resolved through policy, regulation, or administrative action; or • Issues beyond the scope of the PEIS.
