BLM seeks public input on proposed oil and gas lease sale of parcels across southeastern New Mexico
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SANTA FE, NM - The Bureau of Land Management has scheduled a two-week public scoping period for input on 197 parcels of Federal minerals proposed for the September 2018 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The public scoping period will begin April 9, 2018, and conclude on April 20, 2018. The lease sale is tentatively scheduled for September 6, 2018.
This scoping process is intended to solicit public input on relevant issues, potential impacts, and alternatives that the BLM should address in an environmental assessment to be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The BLM will consider all substantive comments received during the public scoping period to ensure the potential environmental consequences are analyzed in a manner that allows the BLM to make an informed decision about the proposed competitive lease sale.
The parcels proposed for the competitive lease sale were nominated by industry representatives where allowable under current BLM land use plans. These parcels are located within Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties located across southeastern New Mexico
The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended, require the BLM to promote exploration and development of Federal minerals. Providing an opportunity for individuals and/or companies to lease identified Federal mineral estate through a competitive lease sale process also meets the Department of the Interior’s goal of strengthening America’s energy independence. Additional information, including the draft parcel list, spatial data, and exhibits, can be obtained online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/leasing/regional-lease-sales/new-mexico
Interested individuals and parties should submit all written comments through the lease sale’s ePlanning webpage comment portal located at https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=renderDefaultPlanOrProjectSite&projectId=103545&dctmId=0b0003e8810e55ef
Those who provide comments are advised that before including their address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information, they should be aware that the entire comment – including the personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their comments to withhold personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.
For more information, please contact BLM Natural Resource Specialist Bob Ballard at 575-234-2235.
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.