06/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2026 10:23
PHOENIX - The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 92 oil and gas parcels totaling 208,576 acres that may be included in a February 2027 lease sale in Arizona. These parcels were nominated in September and October of 2025 and are distinct from the 40 parcels which may be offered for sale in December 2026. The scoping period for these 92 parcels ends July 29, 2026.
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: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=c5f10790-8349-f111-88b4-001dd8084607
The BLM 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.