No parcels available for Feb. 11, 2016, oil and gas lease sale
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Lakewood, Colo. – The BLM leases parcels for oil and gas development up to four times a year, if lands are available for leasing, based on recommendations and input from the public, industry, tribes and other constituent groups. Before determining which parcels will be included in a lease sale, the BLM carefully reviews each parcel nominated for that sale. State, local and tribal consultation and the public input process are important steps in the leasing process.
There were 5 parcels in Dolores County, CO, that had been under evaluation to be offered at the February 11, 2016, sale, however, tribal consultation for those parcels has not concluded. As a result, those 5 parcels are not yet available for leasing. The BLM intends to complete the tribal consultation process, and will then determine whether those parcels are available to be offered at a subsequent sale.
The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of the proceeds from each mineral lease sale and from mineral royalties, with the remainder going to the U.S. government. In Fiscal Year 2015, Colorado received about $247 million from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil and gas. Statewide, more than 22,900 jobs are tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.
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.