SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on three oil and gas parcels totaling 1,261 acres that may be included in a May 2025 lease sale in New Mexico. The comment period ends Aug. 14, 2024.
The parcels the BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment are available on the BLM's ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2033311/570 .
The terms of federal fluid mineral leases will be consistent with the Fluid Minerals Leasing and Leasing Process Rule, which reflects Congressional direction from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including a 16.67 percent royalty rate for production on any new leases. Revenues are split between the state where the drilling occurs and the U.S. Treasury.
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 leased for oil and gas lease include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.
