Opinion ID: 148925
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Groups Propose Phased Development.

Text: At this time, the groups requested that the Bureau consider phased development as an alternative to the lessees' plan. Id. at 596-630. Phased development, as the groups defined it, clusters drilling geographically to maintain open areas. Aplt. Br. at 14-15, 27; LSA at 599, 603-04. Drilling also proceeds a coal seam at a time. LSA at 599, 603-04. Developers reclaim each site to a pastoral landscape before drilling in a new site. Id. at 604. Phased development necessarily delays most drilling for 10 years to decades or longer. Id. The groups admitted that their plan may allow other developers to drain federal minerals. Id. at 605. But they suggested that the Bureau could reduce its drainage losses through compensation agreements, protective wells, compensatory royalties, unitization, and state coordination. Id. at 605-606.