BLM prepares for additional oil and gas leasing in Wayne National Forest
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FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Bureau of Land Management is taking an important step toward future oil and gas leasing and development within the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. A supplemental environmental assessment recently released supports the restart of development on 65 existing leases and new competitive oil and gas leasing of parcels within 40,000 acres of federal mineral estate underlying National Forest System lands in Monroe, Noble, and Washington counties.
The evaluation builds on an environmental assessment of potential impacts from oil and gas leasing that was completed in 2016. In 2020, a federal district court found that the 2016 analysis needed to further consider impacts on federally protected species, water resources, air quality, and surface resources from using hydraulic fracturing techniques for developing oil and gas. The BLM, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, prepared the supplemental environmental assessment incorporating the additional analysis stemming from the court challenge, as well as public input, relevant new information, and best available science.
Today’s action is the culmination of more than two years of additional evaluation and public involvement. The analysis and decision were informed by more than 260 comments gathered during a 55-day public comment period and two public meetings.
With the analysis completed and decision record signed, operators may submit applications to drill on 36 existing oil and gas leases that were challenged in court, as well as 29 leases issued following subsequent lease sales that relied on the 2016 environmental assessment, but that were not part of the litigation. The decision does not approve any oil and gas construction, development, or operation for previously leased parcels. Specific development proposals in the applications will require additional consideration and analysis by the BLM, the Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Additional information about the supplemental environmental assessment, the decision record, a biological assessment and a NEPA finding of no significant impact are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
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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.