BLM Announces Availability of Oil & Gas Lease Auction Environmental Assessment

The Bureau of Land Management has completed the environmental assessment (EA) for the oil and gas lease auction scheduled for Sept. 12, 2012.  A 30-day public review and comment period runs through May 3.

The EA was prepared to analyze the environmental impacts of leasing the mineral estate for oil and gas exploration and development.  The lands considered for competitive lease auction are located in Kern and Kings counties.

Shortly after the comment period closes, the BLM will consider public comments and then issue a decision. Comments can be sent to Nora DeDios at the BLM Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

To ensure compliance with the environmental laws and provide protection for threatened, endangered, and other special status species and their habitat, all lands considered for competitive lease are subject to “Controlled Surface Use Protected and Sensitive Species” special stipulations.

The EA is available online at:  http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield.html, or contact Nora DeDios at (661) 391-6129, or email ndedios@ca.blm.gov

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