BLM Seeks Public Comment For Montana and North Dakota Oil And Gas Lease Sale

The Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Office has opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 26 oil and gas parcels totaling 5,053 acres that may be included in a July 2024 lease sale in Montana and North Dakota. The comment period ends Jan. 29, 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/2030415/510.

As authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, BLM will apply a 16.67 percent royalty rate for any new leases from this sale. More information about the Act is available on BLM’s online fact sheet.

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 that details 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. Information on current and upcoming BLM lease sales is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.