BLM Buffalo Field Office Releases Draft Supplemental Analysis for Review

The Bureau of Land Management released a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) and potential amendment to the 2015 Buffalo Field Office Approved Resource Management Plan for a 90-day public comment period. The action is consistent with the direction from the United States Montana District Court. As required by the Court’s 2022 order, the draft supplemental EIS evaluates additional alternatives for federal coal leasing in the Buffalo Field Office, as well as updated information and analysis regarding the health impacts, both climate and non-climate, from the production of fossil fuels in the RMP area.

The draft supplemental analysis identifies three alternatives for comment and further review, including no leasing and limited leasing alternatives. The BLM will hold one in-person public meeting on May 31 from 5 to 7 pm in Gillette at the George Amos Memorial Building. The BLM will also host one on-line public meeting on June 5, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm with registration information available here.  Public comments must be received by August 7, 2023.