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BLM seeks input for March 2026 sales of oil and gas leases in six states

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Bureau of Land Management

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Oil and gas infrastructure including pipes, valves and tanks on a gravel pad
Oil and gas infrastructure on BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office managed lands. BLM Colorado photo

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include oil and gas parcels in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Nevada in March 2026 lease sales. The comment period ends Dec. 12, 2025.  

The BLM plans to offer 103 oil and gas parcels covering 72,848 acres in Colorado and 11 oil and gas leases covering 19,957 acres in Nevada. In the east, the BLM plans to offer eight oil and gas leases, totaling 506 acres in Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Mississippi. 

The BLM completed scoping on the Eastern States parcels in July 2025, the Nevada parcels in August 2025, and the Colorado parcels in September 2025. The BLM is now seeking public comment on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analyses. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel. 

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 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.