BLM Seeks Input for January 2027 Sale of Oil and Gas Leases in Wyoming

CHEYENNE - The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive input on seven existing oil and gas leases-totaling 2,508 acres-that may be included in a January 2027 lease sale in Wyoming. The scoping period ends August 16, 2026.

Unlike during regular BLM quarterly lease sales, the proposed leases were not nominated through expressions of interest; they are areas that have been returned to federal ownership due to forfeiture by their original lessee. As a result, the government is offering these leases to other parties who can uphold their lease agreements and may potentially develop the areas in the future. All proposed areas have previously been approved for lease. 

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. BLM lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets. 

The parcels BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment, are available on the BLM's ePlanning website at: 2027 January Oil and Gas Lease Sale.