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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that it will offer 151 parcels totaling 88,578 acres for oil and gas development at its February 14, 2013, lease sale. In response to extensive public comments, the agency will defer all 20 parcels totaling 20,555 acres in the North Fork Valley from the sale.

“We’ve listened to concerns raised in numerous comments and public meetings and we are responding by deferring the North Fork Valley parcels at this time,” said Colorado State Director Helen Hankins. “We are addressing the deferred parcels through continued dialogue with the local community and with ongoing planning efforts in the Uncompahgre Field Office.”

Federal oil and gas parcels offered for lease are nominated by oil and gas companies and then reviewed by the BLM to determine the appropriateness of potential development. Approved parcels are offered at one of the BLM's quarterly sales, which are required by law.

“This decision is consistent with our reform efforts that emphasize a comprehensive approach to oil and gas leasing so as to ensure that energy development occurs in the appropriate places,” said Acting BLM Director Mike Pool. "I want to thank Helen Hankins for her leadership and efforts to work closely with local communities as this moves forward.”

The BLM’s quarterly oil and gas lease sale will be held at 9:00 am on February 14 at the BLM Colorado State Office, which is located at 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colo 80215 (www.blm.gov/co)