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BLM seeks initial input for 2026 oil and gas lease sales in North Dakota and Wyoming

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Bureau of Land Management

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Oil and gas development in Wyoming
An oil and gas facility in Wyoming.

The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on oil and gas parcels in North Dakota and Wyoming that may be included in a 2026 second quarter lease sales. The comment period ends November 6, 2025. 

 

The preliminary parcel lists include 23 parcels in North Dakota that covers 8,992.22 acres and 227 parcels covering 250,930.64 acres in Wyoming. 

 

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.  

All parcels that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System. BLM lease sales are held online through EnergyNet. 

The parcels BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment, are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at the following links: 

The BLM manages about 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.