In keeping with the Trump Administration’s goal of promoting American energy security, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to offer a total of 11 parcels totaling 7,730.86 acres at its October 2020 quarterly oil and gas lease sale.  The proposed parcels are located in Chaves, Eddy, and Lea counties, New Mexico.  The lease sale is scheduled to occur online at www.energynet on October 29, 2020.  The protest period begins August 24, 2020 and ends September 2, 2020.

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 (APD) detailing development plans. The BLM reviews APDs, posts them for public review, and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

Revenues from onshore oil and gas production on Federal lands directly fund the U.S. Treasury and state budgets, and support public education, infrastructure improvements, and other state-determined priorities. Forty-eight percent of lease sale revenue goes to the state while the rest goes to the U.S. Treasury. The state also receives half of the revenue from royalties if oil and gas are developed on the lease.