The Bureau of Land Management seeks public input on proposed oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico and Texas

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 13 July 2020 13 July 2020

SANTA FE, New Mexico – As part of the Trump Administration’s commitments to being a good neighbor and responsibly developing our natural resources, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a public scoping period for input on 33 parcels (6,442.36 acres) of Federal minerals proposed for the January 2021 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The public scoping period will begin July 20, 2020, and conclude on July 31, 2020. The lease sale is tentatively scheduled for January 14, 2021.

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 six in Eddy County and 26 in Lea 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. 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.

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