BLM evaluating oil and gas leasing proposals for Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties
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MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposal to offer about 100,000 acres of federal minerals in northwestern Colorado in the May 2017 competitive oil and gas lease sale.
Before beginning an environmental assessment on the proposal, the BLM wants to hear from the public about any issues and concerns they feel should be considered as it evaluates leasing these parcels. The EA itself will be released for public review and comment in November.
“The most effective comments will address issues and concerns specific to these parcels being considered,” said BLM Northwest Colorado District Manager Joe Meyer.
Maps and lease stipulations are available for review at www.blm.gov.
The proposal includes 20 parcels totaling 27,529 acres in Grand County; 12 parcels totaling 9,155 acres in Jackson County; four parcels totaling 1,928 acres in Moffat County; 45 parcels totaling 45,331 acres in Rio Blanco County; and 25 parcels totaling 17,085 acres in Routt County. The BLM lands in this lease sale conform to the 2015 Northwest Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse RMP Amendment.
Comments during this first public comment period need to be received by Sept. 7, 2016. They should be e-mailed toblm_co_may_2017_lease_sale@blm.gov, or mailed to the White River Field Office, Attn: May 2017 Lease Sale, 220 E. Market St., Meeker, CO 81641.
The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of the proceeds from each mineral lease sale and from mineral royalties, with the remainder going to the U.S. government. In Fiscal Year 2015, Colorado received about $247 million from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil and gas. Statewide, more than 22,900 jobs are tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.
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 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.