EIA Seeks Extension for Key Oil and Gas Production Report

You might care about this because the U.S. Energy Information Administration, also known as the EIA, wants to keep collecting important information about energy production. This notice from the Federal Register explains that the EIA is asking for public comments on extending a survey called Form EIA-914. This survey collects monthly data on how much crude oil, a type of petroleum, and natural gas are produced and sold. It also covers something called lease condensate, which is a very light type of oil found with natural gas. This information is gathered from 17 specific states and areas. The EIA uses this data to understand the nation's energy supply. They use it to create several public reports, such as the Monthly Energy Review. The agency wants to continue collecting this data for another three years. They are inviting you to share your thoughts on whether this information collection is still necessary and useful. They also want to know if their estimate of the time it takes businesses to provide this data is correct. You can also suggest ways to make the survey better or easier to complete. All comments must be submitted by September 8, 2026. This process ensures that government information collection is open and transparent. This notice is particularly interesting because it shows how government agencies ensure their data collection efforts remain important and efficient. The EIA isn't just continuing this survey without review. Instead, they are actively seeking feedback from the public. This process, required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, allows anyone to comment on the necessity and burden of federal information requests. For example, businesses that complete the EIA-914 form can explain if the reported 14,400 annual burden hours and 1.3 million dollar cost estimate are accurate. This public input helps the EIA decide if the information collected is still valuable and if the survey process can be made simpler. It emphasizes that collecting good energy data is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing review to make sure it meets current needs without causing too much burden on those who provide the information. This transparency builds trust and helps shape more effective government actions. Many different groups of people would find this legal document very interesting. First, companies involved in producing crude oil, lease condensate, and natural gas should pay close attention. This includes producers, refiners, and distributors who regularly provide data to the EIA. Their input on the burden and usefulness of the Form EIA-914 is especially important. Energy market analysts, economists, and investors also have a strong interest. They use the data from EIA-914 reports to track energy supply trends, predict market changes, and make informed business decisions. Policymakers and government officials rely on this information to understand the nation's energy security and to develop energy policies. Academic researchers studying energy economics or environmental impacts would also find the underlying data and the process of its collection relevant to their work. Finally, any member of the public concerned about energy availability, costs, or environmental effects might want to understand how this foundational data is collected and reviewed.