BLM Seeks Public Comment for Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Wyoming

The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Office opened a 30-day public comment period Tuesday to receive public input on 20 oil and gas parcels totaling 11,250.55 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale in Wyoming. The comment period ends February 8, 2024.

According to a release from the Bureau of Land Management, the BLM completed scoping on these parcels in November of last year and is now seeking public comment on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel and determine if leasing of these parcels conforms with all applicable laws, policies, and land use plans. 

The parcels the BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website here.  As authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, BLM will apply a 16.67 percent royalty rate for any new leases from this sale. 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 a 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 leased as part of an oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources.