BLM seeks comments on parcels offered in June 2019 oil and gas lease sale
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SALT LAKE CITY — In keeping with the Administration’s goal of promoting American energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to offer eight parcels, totaling nearly 11,558 acres in lands managed by the Canyon Country and West Desert Districts at its June 11, 2019 quarterly oil and gas lease sale. This notice initiates a public comment period on the associated environmental documents and ends on March 4, 2019. The BLM will hold the lease sale online at www.energynet.com.
This sale is in compliance with the U.S. District Court, District of Idaho’s preliminary injunction in W. Watersheds Project v. BLM (No. 1:18-cv-00187-REB) as there are no parcels offered in this sale that intersect Priority or General Habitat Management Areas for Greater Sage-Grouse.
“The BLM welcomes and encourages public involvement early in the NEPA process, as it is an integral part in our evaluation of the proposed lease parcels,” said Kent Hoffman, Deputy State Director for Lands and Minerals. “The most effective comments will identify issues and concerns specific to the parcels being considered.”
Responsible energy development includes thoughtful consideration of parcels nominated for leasing as well as potential resource impacts of decisions to lease. An additional environmental review will take place during processing of an Application for Permit to Drill (APD), when site-specific Conditions of Approval will be placed on the permit in addition to the stipulations attached to the lease.
Comments on the environmental assessment (EA) and Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) must be submitted in writing to the BLM Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 or faxed to Sheri Wysong at (801) 539-4237. Links to the environmental documents, lists and maps of the parcels, and attached stipulations are online athttps://bit.ly/2SJKImy.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question with the individual named above. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
The oil and gas industry on public lands in Utah contributed $2.6 billion in total economic output in FY2017.
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.