BLM Accepting Public Comments for Proposed Leases for February 2016 Oil and Gas Lease Sale
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DOLORES, Colo. – The BLM Tres Rios Field Office is accepting public comments on a proposal to lease six parcels totaling 5,632 acres of public mineral estate in Dolores and Montezuma counties for the upcoming Feb. 11, 2016, oil and gas lease sale.
The BLM analyzed the area where the parcels are located in the recently released BLM Tres Rios Field Office, San Juan National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, which also contains an updated Reasonable and Foreseeable Development for oil and gas development in the area. The Resource Management Plan incorporates the best available science to inform BLM's leasing and other decision making. Each lease, if issued, will contain standard terms and stipulations, as well as best management practices designed to address air quality, water resources, and to ensure safe and environmentally responsible development. As part of leasing reform, the BLM may modify lease stipulations to accommodate site-specific resources.
The list of parcels with the attached stipulations can be found online at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/oilandgas/oil_and_gas_lease/20160/february_2016/february_lease_sale.html
Written comments must be received by Sept. 11, 2015, and may be submitted via e-mail toblm_co_trfo_2016_lease_sale@blm.gov or by mail to BLM Tres Rios Field Office, Attn: Robert Guarrigues, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323 or via fax to 970-882-6841. The most effective comments refer to a specific parcel and its associated resources.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of the proceeds of each lease sale. In Fiscal Year 2014, Colorado received approximately $169 million from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil and gas. Statewide, there are more than 22,900 jobs tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.
The BLM manages more than 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.