BLM seeks public comment for September 2024 oil and gas lease sale in Colorado

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Colorado State Office today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on one oil and gas parcel totaling 120 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale in Colorado. The comment period ends June 7, 2024. 

The BLM completed scoping on this parcel in February 2024 and is now seeking public comment on the parcel, and the related environmental analysis. BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of the parcel and determine if leasing of the parcel conforms with all applicable laws, policies, and land use plans. 

The parcel the BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2030673/510.  

The terms of federal fluid mineral leases will be consistent with the Fluid Minerals Leasing and Leasing Process Rule, which reflects Congressional direction from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including a 16.67 percent royalty rate for production on any new leases. Revenues are split between the state where the drilling occurs and the U.S. Treasury. 

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders. 

All parcels leased for oil and gas lease include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.