BLM schedules coal lease sale for Perry and Morgan Counties, Ohio
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WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) has scheduled a competitive coal lease sale to take place September 25, 2019 for seven federal tracts in Perry and Morgan counties, Ohio. The tracts are within the Wayne National Forest and encompass nearly 433 acres and contain an estimated 1.4 million tons of sub-surface mineable federal coal.
BLM-ES is offering these federal coal resources in response to CCU Coal and Construction, LLC’s coal lease by application (LBA). CCU Coal and Construction (formerly Westmoreland Coal Company) operates an adjacent privately owned underground coal mine called the Burr Oak No. 6 (formerly known as the Buckingham No. 6), covering three units within more than 8,500 acres of permitted coal reserves producing 1.2 million tons per year. The mine provided approximately 155 direct jobs and 400 indirect jobs in 2018.
On April 3, 2019, BLM-ES State Director Karen Mouritsen signed the Decision Record authorizing this sale. “BLM Eastern States is committed to being environmentally responsible as we develop this coal resource, providing a valuable source of energy while sustaining jobs for local communities,” said Mouritsen.
The BLM will hold the lease sale at 1:00 p.m. EDT, September 25, 2019. Sealed bids must be received before 10:00 a.m. EDT, September 25, 2019. They may be addressed or hand-delivered to: Sabry Hanna, BLM Eastern States, 20 M Street SE, Suite 950, Washington, D.C. 20003.
The BLM will lease tracts to the qualified bidder of the highest cash amount, provided that the bid meets or exceeds the BLM’s estimate of fair market value of the tract and the successful bidder complies with all lease issuance requirements. The minimum bid established by regulation is $100 per acre or a fraction thereof. The authorized officer will determine if the bid met fair market value after the sale.
Consistent with Executive Order 13783, Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth and Secretary’s Order 3349, American Energy Independence, the BLM plays an important role in responsible development of oil and gas, coal, critical minerals, and renewable sources – all of which can occur on public lands. Energy produced in the United States is beneficial to national security, national and local economies, and job creation.
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.