BLM seeks comments on parcels offered in March 2019 oil and gas lease sale
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In keeping with the Administration’s goal of promoting American energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management proposes to offer 156 parcels, totaling nearly 217,519 acres in lands managed by the Canyon Country, Green River, and West Desert Districts at its March 26, 2019 quarterly oil and gas lease sale. This notice initiates a public comment period on associated environmental documents that ends on December 17, 2018. The BLM will hold the lease sale online at www.energynet.com.
This sale includes 116 parcels removed from the December 2018 quarterly sale in order to comply with the U.S. District Court, District of Idaho issued a Preliminary Injunction in W. Watersheds Project v. BLM (No. 1:18-cv-00187-REB), which required lengthier comment periods on environmental compliance documents associated with parcels that intersect Priority or General Habitat Management Areas for Greater Sage-Grouse.
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 at http://go.usa.gov/xPfnq
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. Continuous exploration, development, and site restoration is required to sustain production rates, jobs, income and royalties.
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.