BLM evaluating oil and gas leasing proposals in eastern Colorado
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – As part of the Administration’s priority to make America safe through energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments as it considers offering approximately 21,762 acres of federal oil and gas leases in eastern Colorado in the upcoming Sept. 6, 2018, competitive oil and gas lease sale.
“The BLM supports working landscapes across the west through various multiple-use programs like oil and gas,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “We welcome your diverse views and your comments will be critical in helping us make an informed decision.”
The proposal includes 11 parcels totaling 18,358 acres in Huerfano County; two parcels totaling 795 acres in Kiowa County; three parcels totaling 395 acres in Lincoln County; two parcels totaling 720 acres in Washington County; and seven parcels totaling 1,495 acres in Weld County.
“We appreciate the public interest and public input we’ve received on the proposal to lease these parcels, and we look forward to input on the environmental assessment,” said Berger, stressing the importance of accurate information for the public. “No leases are proposed in the San Luis Valley and no leases are part of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.”
The parcels in Huerfano County are on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range (Great Sand Dunes National Park is on the western side of the mountain range).
The environmental assessment, maps and lease stipulations are available for review at https://go.usa.gov/xQxKG.
Comments need to be received by April 6. They should be emailed to blm_co_rg_comments@blm.gov or mailed to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Attn: September 2018 Lease Sale, 3028 E. Main St., Cañon City, CO 81212.
The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of proceeds from each lease sale, with the remainder going to the U.S. government. In Fiscal Year 2016, Colorado received about$144 million from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for oil and gas development on public lands. Statewide, more than 22,900 jobs are tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.
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.