BLM’s Policy
It is the policy of the BLM to make mineral resources available for development to meet national, regional, and local needs. This is mandated by various laws, including the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (30 United States Code [USC] 181 et seq.), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The oil and gas leasing program managed by the BLM encourages the sustainable development of domestic oil and gas reserves which reduces the dependence of the United States on foreign sources of energy as part of its multiple-use and sustainable yield mandate. In addition, the Code of Federal Regulations (43 CFR 3120) states that the BLM must make land available for lease at Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sales.
Background
The BLM Expression of Interest (EOI) process allows anyone to nominate federal minerals for leasing. The BLM verifies, on a parcel-by-parcel basis, federal mineral ownership as leasing nominations are received. BLM uses best management practices, mitigations, stipulations and notices to ensure that it supports the development of oil and natural gas, while minimizing adverse effects to the environment. Parcels that are approved for leasing will be identified, along with any attached stipulations and notices, through a Notice of Competitive Lease Sale that will be posted at least 45 days prior to a lease sale (43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 3120.4-2).
March 19, 2020 Eastern States Oil and Gas Lease Sale
BLM is planning to host its quarterly Eastern States Oil and Gas Lease Sale on March 19, 2020. The sale would utilize the EnergyNet internet-based auction system. Additional information about the sale will be available at https://www.energynet.com/govt_listing.pl.
Please click on the Documents tab to the left for links to the NEPA documents and the Notice of Competitive Internet-Based Oil and Gas Lease Sale, as available. A hard copy of the Sale Notice will be posted in the BLM Public Room located in Suite 950, 20 M Street, Washington, D.C.
Below are some points of contact for questions about the proposed lease sale parcels or the lease sale itself.
General Questions About Sale Notice:
Eastern States, State Office
20 M Street SE, Suite 950
Washington, DC 20003
ATT: Stanley McMillian (Land Law Examiner)
(202) 919-7778
Points of Contact For NEPA Documents
Northeastern States District Office Parcels:
Northeastern States District Office
626 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 200 Milwaukee, WI 53202
ATT: Kurt Wadzinski (Planning and Environmental Coordinator)
(414) 297-4408
Southeastern States District Office Parcels:
Southeastern States District Office
273 Market St. Flowood, MS 39232
ATTN: Heather Stewart (Planner)
(601) 919-4687
Media Contact:
Eastern States Office, Bureau of Land Management
20 M Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
ATT: Francis Piccoli (Deputy State Director for External Affairs)
(202) 912-7717
