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Despite environmental concerns, U.S. oil development on public land is a critical facet of the nation’s economy, argued economic nonprofit Taxpayers for Common Sense. The group called on recently appointed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to maintain a higher royalty rate enacted by the administration of former President Joe Biden, amid discussions Trump could roll it back.

The bureau receives a 16.67% royalty rate paid by lessees on the proceeds from oil and gas sales. The rate was increased from 12.5% in April 2024 .

The taxpayers group noted in a Feb. 20 report that the average bid of $15,673 per acre in the latest lease sale in New Mexico was four times higher than the average bid for sales in 2024 in the state. This showed that lands needed for oil and gas were increasing in value and returns for. American taxpayers should increase accordingly, the group argued,

“With U.S. oil production already at record highs and industry executives signaling they aren’t looking to expand domestic production further, there’s no justification for undermining fiscal responsibility or handing over America’s natural resources to pad the pockets of speculators,” said Taxpayers for Common Sense President Steve Ellis.