Over 31,000 acres leased, generating nearly $11 million in high bids, the Bureau of Land Management reports.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming State Office conducted a competitive oil and gas lease sale in December 2024, offering 51 parcels of land covering a total of 60,427 acres. The sale, which included both online and in-person bidding, drew significant interest from energy developers.
A total of 164 bids were submitted during the sale, resulting in 26 parcels being successfully leased. These 26 parcels account for approximately 31,339.56 acres, or about 51% of the total acreage initially offered. The high bids for the leased parcels totaled $10,952,403.
The lease sale process adheres to federal regulations under the BLM’s Fluid Minerals Leasing and Leasing Process Rule, which incorporates provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Key requirements include a 16.67% royalty rate on production from any newly leased parcels. Revenue from these leases is shared between the U.S. Treasury and the state where the development takes place, with Wyoming set to receive a share of the proceeds.
Prior to the sale, the BLM conducted an environmental assessment and established lease stipulations to ensure the protection of natural resources. These stipulations aim to safeguard wildlife habitats, water quality, and cultural sites that may be impacted by oil and gas development. Parcel maps, lease stipulations, and notices related to the sale are publicly available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at ePlanning BLM Wyoming Lease Sale.
Securing a lease is only the first step in the process of developing federal oil and gas resources. Before drilling operations can begin, operators must submit an Application for Permit to Drill (APD). The APD outlines the development plans for each site and undergoes a rigorous review by the BLM. This review process includes an environmental analysis, public notice, and coordination with state officials, local stakeholders, and other interested parties.
The goal of this process is to balance energy development with environmental protection, ensuring that any potential impacts on natural resources are fully evaluated before drilling begins.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees the management of more than 245 million acres of public land in the United States, primarily located in 12 western states, including Alaska. The agency also administers approximately 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate, ensuring that mineral resources are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The BLM’s mission is to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” This dual mandate requires the agency to balance multiple land uses, including energy development, recreation, grazing, and conservation.
Information on current and upcoming BLM oil and gas lease sales can be found on the National Fluid Lease Sale System. The BLM will continue to hold competitive lease sales as part of its broader strategy to manage public lands for energy development, environmental stewardship, and multiple-use purposes.
