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BLM Welcomes Community Perspectives on Proposed Colorado Parcels for March 2027 Oil and Gas Lease Sale

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

Media Contact:

BLM Colorado
An onshore oil and gas drilling rig stands against a vibrant orange and blue sunrise sky. In the foreground, large green industrial mud tanks and a vertical black storage tank sit on a dirt lot. The tall metal derrick tower rises on the right side of the frame with its working lights illuminated.
An onshore oil and gas drilling rig stands against a vibrant orange and blue sunrise sky. In the foreground, large green industrial mud tanks and a vertical black storage tank sit on a dirt lot. The tall metal derrick tower rises on the right side of the frame with its working lights illuminated.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is proposing to offer 38 oil and gas parcels in Colorado, totaling about 66,221 acres, in a March 2027 federal lease sale. The public is invited to provide initial input on this proposal during a 30-day scoping period that closes Oct. 9.

This effort is part of the BLM’s commitment to managing federal energy resources in a transparent and balanced way that considers community needs, national energy priorities, and protection of natural and cultural resources.

Federal oil and gas leasing helps strengthen U.S. energy security, supports jobs and local economies, and generates revenue that is shared with states and counties to fund schools, roads, and other essential public services.

Partnership with the public is central to how the BLM manages public lands. Community perspectives help shape how potential lease areas are evaluated and ensure that future development—if pursued—supports national energy needs while protecting wildlife habitat, water resources, cultural sites, and recreation areas that Coloradans and visitors value.

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. Maps, parcel details, and instructions for providing comments are available on the BLM National NEPA Register.

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.