CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a series of upcoming oil and gas lease sales on Wyoming’s public lands, and the public still has the opportunity to submit comment on the lease sale slated for September.
The public period to comment on the June sales has already closed. During a June 3 sale, the BLM will offer 29 parcels, totaling 22,965 acres in Wyo. A June 12 auction will offer 66 oil and gas parcels, totaling 70,415 acres. These parcels did not sell during previous 2023 and 2024 lease sales and are being offered in addition to the lease sale scheduled for June 10.
The BLM opened a 30-day comment period to receive public input on 37 oil and gas parcels, totaling 45,178 acres, which are scheduled to be auctioned off in a lease sale on September 3. Scoping was completed on these parcels in March, and the comment period ends on Thursday, May 15.
The BLM seeks public comment on potential deferrals and the related environmental analysis of the parcels, outlining potential impacts on water, greenhouse gas, greater sage-grouse populations, wildlife, open space and public health and safety.
According to the BLM, 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.
Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System. BLM lease sales are held online through EnergyNet. The parcels BLM analyzed, as well as maps and instructions on how to submit a protest, are available on BLM’s website.
