BLM evaluating oil and gas leasing proposals in Royal Gorge Field Office
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CANON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking input on a proposal to offer nine parcels totaling about 1,147 acres of federal minerals within the Royal Gorge Field Office in eastern Colorado in the August 2017 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The proposal includes two parcels in Cheyenne County; one parcel in Baca County; two parcels in Kiowa County; one parcel in Yuma County; two parcels in Morgan County; and one in Weld County.
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 February.
“Our yearly sale has moved from November to August and we want to be sure everyone is aware to ensure public comments will be included in our analysis," said BLM Royal Gorge Field Office Manager Keith Berger. “The most effective comments will address issues specific to the parcels being considered.”
Maps and lease stipulations are available for review at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/
Comments during this first public input period need to be received by Dec. 8, 2016. They should be emailed to rgfo_comments@blm.gov, or mailed to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Attn: May 2017 Lease Sale, Cañon City, CO 81212.
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.