Feds seek public comment for proposed oil and gas lease sale

— April 24, 2013

The Bureau of Land Management High Desert District is seeking public input on the environmental assessment for the November 2013 Notice of Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale parcel offering.

Thirty-nine entire or partial parcels will be offered within the district, which spans portions of south-central and western Wyoming

Forty-four lease parcels were originally nominated and proposed for inclusion in the sale. But two entire and four partial parcels, totaling 7,045.68 acres, are deferred for Greater Sage-Grouse core habitat and manageability using the Fluid Mineral Leasing Screen in BLM guidance (WY-2012-019).

The BLM Wyoming State Director has temporarily deferred three entire and one partial parcel totaling 1,647.17 acres for Greater Sage-Grouse conservation. These temporary deferrals are pending completion of the Greater Sage-Grouse resource management plan amendment process in the Rock Springs, Kemmerer, Pinedale and Rawlins field offices.

The EA addresses the impacts of offering the remaining 39 entire and partial parcels determined to be available for oil and gas leasing. It is available online at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/energy/Oil_and_Gas/Leasing.html.

Public comments are an important component of the National Environmental Policy Act process. The public is encouraged to identify and submit issues, concerns, ideas or mitigation opportunities not currently addressed in the EA to help ensure the best possible analysis and plan.

Mail or deliver written comments to the BLM HDD, Attn: Tom Foertsch, 280 Highway 191 N., Rock Springs, WY 82901; fax to 307-352-0329; or email to BLM_WY_HDD_November_Parcels@blm.gov with “November 2013 Lease Parcels” in the subject line. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22.

For more information, contact Tom Foertsch at 307-352-0249.