BLM Releases Environmental Assessment for Upcoming Oil and Gas Lease Sale
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The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado just released an environmental assessment for public comment regarding proposed leases for its quarterly oil and gas lease sale on February 9, 2012.
BLM field offices with proposed leases are now preparing environmental assessments before each sale to give the public an opportunity to submit comments on potential parcels and allow the BLM to address those concerns in a timely manner before the sale notice is posted.
This step will help the public by providing a positive, consistent and proactive approach regarding upcoming sales. The BLM has always reviewed each parcel very closely; however, this change will serve as an additional opportunity to engage the public in the planning process.
During the environmental review, the public will have 30 days to voice any concerns regarding proposed parcels. However, the comment period will be limited to comments, not protests. Protests, if any, can be submitted during the 30-day protest period after the sale notice is posted in November.
Traditional energy development is important in Colorado and accounts for 22,912 jobs along the Western Slope from fiscal year 2010. The State of Colorado received more than $229.4 million in fiscal year 2010 from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil, gas and coal.
The Little Snake Field Office is the only office with proposed parcels for the February lease sale. Information regarding those parcels is listed below.
Little Snake Field Office: The environmental assessment evaluates seven parcels totaling 5,258.51 acres of land. The field office is accepting comments through September 19, 2011. Written comments and questions should be directed to the Little Snake Field Office at 455 Emerson St., Craig, Colorado. The environmental assessment may be reviewed at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/oilandgas/leasing.html, or by visiting the Little Snake Field Office. Contact Shawna Wiser at 970-826-5000 for more information about these parcels.
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.