BLM: Decisions coming in late July on more than $100M in backlogged oil and gas leases in West

BLM in Wyo. to begin deciding on backlogged leases

RAWLINS, Wyo. — The first of more than $100 million in unissued federal oil and gas leases across the West could be handed over to drilling companies soon.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey says the agency will begin making decisions on backlogged leases in Wyoming by the end of this month. He says the BLM will issue additional leases in the region on a state-by-state basis.

In Wyoming, companies have paid more than $50 million over the past two years for leases the BLM has yet to issue. The money has been sitting in an escrow account until the BLM decides whether to issue the leases or withdraw them and refund bidders’ money.

The BLM says environmental protests, uncertainty about endangered species and last year’s change in presidential administrations have slowed the process.