Leasing Reform

In November 2021, the Department of the Interior released a report on the federal Oil and Gas Leasing program. The report made specific recommendations to address documented deficiencies in the program to meet three programmatic goals:

• Providing a fair return to the American public and states from federal management of public lands and waters, including for development of energy resources;

• Designing more responsible leasing and development processes that prioritize areas that are most suitable for development and ensure lessees and operators have the financial and technical capacity to comply with all applicable laws and regulations; and

• Creating a more transparent, inclusive, and just approach to leasing and permitting that provides meaningful opportunity for public engagement and Tribal consultation.

The report also recommends that as an overarching policy, BLM should ensure that oil and gas is not prioritized over other land uses, consistent with BLM’s mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. The BLM should carefully consider what lands make the most sense to lease in terms of expected yields of oil and gas, prospects of earning a fair return for U.S. taxpayers, and conflicts with other uses, such as outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. The BLM should always ensure it is considering the views of local communities, Tribes, businesses, state and local governments, and other stakeholders.

Leasing Process

The environmental review process for developing oil and gas resources is multi-faceted and includes input and coordination with other federal and state agencies, as well as the public.  

Members of the public, typically industry representatives, nominate lands they wish to lease, but before they can be included in a sale, the parcels are reviewed for compliance with the area’s Resource Management Plan and other factors such as resource conflicts that might make the lands unavailable. The National Fluid Lease Sale System includes information on current and upcoming BLM lease sales.

Regional Oil and Gas Lease Sales

The BLM’s lease sales and NEPA process include a 30-day scoping period, 30-day comment period on the environmental assessment and 30-day protest period. The BLM will also ensure applicable Tribal consultation is current. The BLM’s leasing decisions take public comments into account it received during the NEPA process and will further evaluate points raised in any protests received.

Through the links below, find upcoming regional lease sale information, historical documents, and related resources.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Eastern States
• Idaho
• Montana-Dakotas
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Utah
• Wyoming

Leasing Litigation

Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment v. Haaland, No. 21-2116 (10th Cir.)

Following the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit's ruling in Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment v. Haaland, No. 21-2116 (10th Cir.), the BLM is continuing to process and approve applications for permits to drill and other authorizations, subject to that ruling and in compliance with applicable law.

WildEarth Guardians v. Bernhardt, 502 F.Supp. 3d 237 (D.D.C. 2020)

To ensure compliance with the NEPA, relevant judicial authority, and applicable Executive and Secretarial Orders and Departmental policies regarding analysis of the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions—including Executive Order 13990, Secretary’s Order 3399, and the 2020 BLM Specialist Report on Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Trends—the BLM has determined to review the adequacy of NEPA analyses for its leasing decisions in the December 2018 Rio Puerco Field Office lease sale, the November 2019 Rio Puerco Field Office lease sale, and the February 2020 Rio Puerco and Farmington Field Offices lease sale. BLM anticipates that its review will encompass an assessment of lease sale impacts on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental justice. Consistent with permanent Instruction Memorandum 2022-001, which applies to this reconsideration, these leases remain in effect during the review of the NEPA analyses.

In light of recent judicial opinions such as WildEarth Guardians v. Bernhardt, 502 F.Supp. 3d 237 (D.D.C. 2020), and to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and applicable Executive and Secretarial Orders and Departmental policies regarding analysis of the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions -- including Executive Order 13990, Secretary’s Order 3399, and the 2020 BLM Specialist Report on Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Trends -- the BLM will review the adequacy of NEPA analyses for its leasing decisions in the BLM New Mexico State Office’s lease sales in September 2017, December 2017, and September 2018. The BLM anticipates that its review will encompass an assessment of lease sale impacts on climate, habitat, recreation, lands with wilderness characteristics, night skies, soundscapes, water quality, and areas of cultural significance. Consistent with permanent Instruction Memorandum 2022-001, these leases will remain in effect during the review of the NEPA analyses.

Louisiana v. Biden, 21-cv-779 (W.D. La. June 15, 2021)

The BLM, in compliance with a recent district court decision in Louisiana v. Biden, 21-cv-779 (W.D. La. June 15, 2021), is moving forward with oil and gas leasing in accordance with Instruction Memorandum 2021-027. Prior to the posting of any sale notice, the BLM will diligently comply with all procedural requirements for proposed sales — including Tribal consultation and public notice and comment.

Leasing Updates

Status of EOG Resources Leases in San Juan Basin

EOG Resources, Inc. is the lessee of record for certain leases sold in the BLM's December 2018, November 2019, and February 2020 oil and gas lease sales in the BLM's Farmington and Rio Puerco Field Offices. Taking into account business considerations and other concerns in the area, EOG Resources, Inc. and the BLM have agreed to rescind these certain federal oil and gas leases in the San Juan Basin. 

EOG is also the lessee of record for certain leases from these lease sales for which there has been some surface disturbance or development. EOG is relinquishing these federal oil and gas leases in the San Juan Basin and will complete reclamation in accordance with approved reclamation plans.