The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office announced on September 2nd that they are 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. “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,” shares the BLM announcement. “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.” A public meeting is scheduled for September 22nd at the BLM Vernal Field Office from 5 to 7pm. Notice has been posted to the Federal Register and comments will be accepted until October 5th. Visit federalregister.gov for comment instructions. Comments can also be delivered to the BLM Vernal Field Office. The BLM announcement notes that “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.”
Photo Cred: BLM Vernal Field Office
Caption: An oil derrick on BLM public lands in the Vernal Field Office