BLM announces January 2025 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Montana and North Dakota

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management Montana-Dakotas State Office today announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025, to offer 13 oil and gas parcels totaling 1,324 acres in Montana and North Dakota.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in July 2024 and held a public comment period that closed in September 2024 on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analysis. A 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input opened today and will close Dec. 6, 2024.

The parcels the BLM has analyzed, as well as maps and instructions on how to submit a protest are available on the BLM's ePlanning website at:

https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2032675/510.

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 that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the

National

Fluid Lease Sale System. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission

is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Brittany E. Jones

Chief of Communications

Montana/Dakotas Office

Bureau of Land Management