Geologic Resources

For the more information about the geologic resources of the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/.

9B Rulemaking

Photo drilling barge operations in Jean Lafitte NP&Preserve

Photo unregulated pump jack in Big South Fork NRRA

Photo unregulated production operations in Big Thicket NPres

Photo leaks and drips from production separator in Big Thicket NPres

Oil and Gas operations in many parks can cause adverse effects on natural and cultural resources, visitor uses and experiences, park infrastructure and management, and protect public health and safety.

Overview

The NPS is undertaking a rulemaking effort to revise regulations at 36 CFR Part 9, Subpart B ("9B Regulations"), that govern the exercise of nonfederal oil and gas rights within the boundaries of units of the National Park System. Currently, 12 units of the National Park System have active non-federal oil and gas operations occurring within their boundaries.

The current regulations have been in effect for over 30 years and have not been substantively updated during that period. The National Park Service seeks to revise the regulations to update them to reflect current policies, legal requirements, and practices; improve the ease of applying the regulations for the NPS and industry; and to increase the effectiveness of the regulations in order to ensure that nonfederal oil and gas operations conducted in National Park System units avoid or minimize, to the greatest possible extent, adverse effects on natural and cultural resources, visitor uses and experiences, park infrastructure and management, and protect public health and safety.