BLM seeks public input on proposed oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas
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SANTA FE, NM - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a two-week public scoping period for input on 17 parcels (4,980 acres) of federal minerals proposed for the September 2019 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The public scoping period will begin April 1 and conclude on April 12. The lease sale is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 5, 2019.
This scoping process is intended to solicit public input on relevant issues, potential impacts, and alternatives that the BLM should address in an environmental assessment to be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The BLM will consider all substantive comments received during the public scoping period to ensure the potential environmental consequences are analyzed in a manner that allows the BLM to make an informed decision about the proposed competitive lease sale.
The parcels proposed for the competitive lease sale were nominated by industry representatives. Those parcels were identified as available for possible oil and gas leasing under current BLM land-use plans. The parcels in New Mexico include three in Eddy County, nine in Lea County, one in McKinley County, and one in Chaves County. The parcels in Oklahoma include one in Coal County and one in Major County. In Kansas, there is one parcel in Greeley County.
The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended, require the BLM to promote exploration and development of federal minerals. Providing an opportunity for individuals and/or companies to lease identified federal mineral estate through a competitive lease sale process also meets the Department of the Interior’s goal of strengthening America’s energy independence. Additional information, including the draft parcel list, spatial data, and exhibits, can be obtained online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/leasing/regional-lease-sales/new-mexico. This website will link you to ePlanning, where interested individuals and parties can provide written comments.
Those who provide comments on scoping issues are advised that before including their address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information, please be aware that the entire public scoping comment – including the personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their public scoping comments to withhold personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.
For more information, please contact BLM Land Law Examiner Lourdes Ortiz at (505) 954-2146.
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.