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BLM to issue leases for 2019 oil and gas lease sales in New Mexico

New Mexico
Albuquerque DO
Rio Puerco FO
Farmington DO
Farmington FO
Media Contact

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management will issue leases effective Feb. 1 for 17 oil and gas parcels totaling 6,259 acres in the Farmington and Rio Puerco field offices in New Mexico. BLM offered the acres for lease in March and June 2019. The lease sales were held in 2019, but BLM could not issue the leases due to incomplete Tribal consultation and unresolved protests. BLM has since completed Tribal consultation, updated the environmental analysis, and resolved protests. The leases are being issued with the same stipulations as those in the original 2019 leases.

Additional information and protest responses are available at the BLM National NEPA Register:

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders. 

All parcels that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.

For more information, please contact BLM Natural Resource Specialist Catie Brewster at 505-954-2044 or cbrewster@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.