BLM seeks public comment on September oil and gas lease sale
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ELKO, Nev. – In keeping with the Administration’s goal of promoting American energy security, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to offer 22 parcels, totaling nearly 17,478.82 acres of land in northeastern Nevada within the Elko District, at its September 2019 quarterly oil and gas lease sale. A 30-day public review period began on May 13, 2019, and ends June 11, 2019, on the associated environmental assessment (EA.) The BLM will hold the lease sale online at www.energynet.com.
The BLM generated a record $1.1 billion from 28 oil and gas lease sales in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. The oil and gas industry on public lands in Nevada contributed $3.1 million in total economic output in FY 2018. Continuous exploration, development, and site restoration sustain production rates, jobs, income and royalties. Revenues from onshore oil and gas production on federal lands directly fund the U.S. Treasury, state budgets and support public education, infrastructure improvements, and other state-determined priorities.
Background
By statute, the BLM is required to offer quarterly oil and gas leases sales of available Federal lands. BLM state offices conduct lease sales quarterly when parcels are available for lease. These lease sales represent parcels that cleared environmental review and public comment. The BLM issues both competitive and non-competitive leases for a 10-year period. The leases are a contract to explore and develop any potential oil and gas. The leases may earn an extension if the lessee establishes production, otherwise they pay annual rentals.
Public Comments
Comments on the EA must be submitted in writing to the BLM Elko District Office, 3900 E Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801 or faxed to Thomas Schmidt at (775) 753-0325. The environmental documents, lists and maps of the parcels and attached stipulations are online at https://go.usa.gov/xmEBG.
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.
This comment period complies with the terms of a Preliminary Injunction issued by the U.S. District Court of Idaho 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.
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.