BLM Colorado oil and gas lease sale nets $1.2 million

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Bureau of Land Management

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DENVER – In keeping with the Administration’s goals of promoting America’s energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management Colorado today sold 70 parcels totaling 63,268 acres for $1,243,777 including rentals and fees at its quarterly oil and gas lease sale.

The combined bids from the sale will be distributed between the federal government and the State of Colorado.

The BLM offered 85 parcels in Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties, Colorado. The highest per-acre price was $102, sold to Baseline Minerals, Inc. More details about this and other lease sales in Colorado are available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/leasing/regional-lease-sales/colorado.

Oil and gas lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence. The BLM’s all-of-the-above approach to energy development includes oil and gas, coal, strategic minerals and renewable sources, which can all be developed on public lands.

The BLM’s policy is to promote oil and gas development if it meets the guidelines and regulations set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other subsequent laws and policies passed by the U.S. Congress. The sales are also in keeping with the Administration’s America First Energy Plan, which includes development of fossil fuels and coal, as well as renewable energy.

Oil and gas leases are awarded for a term of ten years and as long thereafter as there is production of oil and gas in paying quantities. The federal government receives a royalty of 12.5 percent of the value of production. The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of revenues from leases issued on public lands in Colorado.

In Fiscal Year 2016, oil and gas development on public lands directly contributed $796 million to Colorado’s economy. BLM Colorado received more than $98 million in federal revenues, including royalties, rents and bonus bids, from oil and gas development on public lands. Statewide, more than 22,900 jobs are tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8399 to contact these individuals during normal business hours. FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to leave a message or question with these individuals. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.


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.