BLM Launches Map Identifying Helium Concentrations on Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management has launched a publicly available web-based GIS mapping tool to help promote helium development and production on public lands. The interactive tool highlights areas on BLM-managed lands with helium concentrations.
The project, launched on Oct. 29, uses GIS data and is designed to provide insight into domestic helium potential. The map provides data layers (for example, historic helium areas, helium infrastructure, BLM helium agreements, and related oil and gas leasing) to help producers assess feasibility early, while maintaining requirements for local coordination and permitting.
The map includes a layer depicting helium gas processing plants published in the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2023 Helium Minerals Yearbook. In addition, the map includes a layer depicting 11 BLM helium agreements covering approximately 500 Federal helium wells as well as a layer showing five settlement agreements and locations of roughly 800 wells in the Hugoton Gas Area of southwest Kansas and Oklahoma Panhandle producing Federal helium. Since Federal helium development and operations are subject to oil and gas leases, a layer showing existing BLM leases is included.
The web map doesn’t replace coordination with local BLM offices. Project proponents are encouraged to engage early with bureau staff to address site specific resource issues, tribal considerations and permitting needs.
This map supports administration priorities under Executive Order 14154 and Secretary’s Order 3418, both titled Unleashing American Energy.
The BLM manages about 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.