BLM opens protest period for oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico, Oklahoma
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SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office today opened a 30-day public protest period to receive public input on eleven oil and gas parcels totaling 595.59 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The protest period ends September 13, 2023.
The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in March 2023 and held a 30-day a public comment period that concluded in June 2023 on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analysis.
The parcels we are analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to protest the environmental assessment, are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022467/510.
As authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, we will apply a 16.67 percent royalty rate for any new leases from this sale. More information about the Act is available on BLM's online fact sheet.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must apply for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM will review applications for permits to drill; post them for public review; conduct an environmental analysis; and coordinate with state partners and stakeholders.
All parcels leased as part of an oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM lease sales is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.
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.