BLM Considers Expanding Oil and Gas Leasing in Northeast Utah
The BLM will host a public meeting to share information about the proposed project and collect public comments from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22.
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The Bureau of Land Management is considering a proposal to allow oil and gas leasing on about 5,200 acres of the federal mineral estate underlying the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge near Vernal in northeast Utah. The proposal includes a “no surface occupancy” requirement, meaning that, if approved, any future lease development would have to be accomplished through directional or horizontal drilling from well pads outside the refuge.
The effort aligns with Secretary’s order 3418, which supports President Trump’s executive order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, aimed at increasing energy exploration and production on federal lands in an affordable and reliable manner.
The BLM will host a public meeting to share information about the proposed project and collect public comments from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, at the BLM Vernal Field Office, 170 S 500 E, Vernal, Utah 84078.
A notice has been published in the Federal Register to open a 30-day public scoping period to seek public input on the proposal and the BLM’s preparation of a resource management plan amendment and associated environmental analysis. Comments will be accepted until Oct. 5, 2026.
Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the “participate now” option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to: BLM Vernal Field Office, Attn: RMPA, 170 S 500 E, Vernal, Utah 84078.
Oil and gas development on BLM-managed public lands in Utah provides the Beehive State a $3 billion boost, and nationwide BLM oil and gas generates an additional $177 billion to fund the U.S. economy.
The Bureau of Land Management manages about 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.
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