BLM seeks public input on proposed oil and gas lease sale of parcels in New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma
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SANTA FE, NM - The Bureau of Land Management has scheduled a 10-day public scoping period for input on 56 parcels of federal minerals proposed for the June 2019 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The public scoping period will begin January 30 and conclude February 10, 2019. In addition, a two- week public review and comment period of the environmental documents is scheduled to begin March 11 and conclude March 22, 2019. The lease sale is scheduled for June 20, 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 comment periods 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 38 in Sandoval County, 2 in Rio Arriba County, 5 in Lea County, 2 in Chaves, and 3 in Eddy County. The parcels in Kansas include 1 in Decatur County. The parcels in Oklahoma include 2 in Dewey County, and 3 in McClain 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 comments electronically.
Those who provide comments on scoping issues are advised that before including their address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information, they should 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 JulieAnn Serrano at 505-954-2149.
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.