BLM seeks public input on proposed oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico and Texas
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SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a public scoping period for input on 112 parcels (53,436 acres) of Federal minerals proposed for the May 2020 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The public scoping period will begin November 25, 2019, and conclude on December 9, 2019. The lease sale is tentatively scheduled for May 21, 2020.
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 that 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 proposed parcels were identified as available for possible oil and gas leasing under current BLM land-use plans. The parcels in New Mexico include 85 in Chaves, six in Eddy County, 10 in Lea County, seven in Rio Arriba County, and three in Roosevelt County. There is one parcel in Wise County, Texas.
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. Further, by statute, the BLM is required to offer quarterly oil and gas leases sales. 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.
Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment — including personal identifying information — may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
For more information, please contact BLM Supervisory Land Law Examiner Julie 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.