Are certain lands “off limits” to oil and gas leasing?
Yes. BLM is responsible for managing the public lands for multiple uses and resources, including energy production, recreation use, grazing, among many others. Considering the resources and values that exist in specific areas, BLM determines which lands should be leased for oil and gas. This occurs in the planning process that includes public involvement and coordination with other agencies. More than 4.7 million acres of BLM-managed lands in Utah are unavailable for oil and gas leasing, including Wilderness Study Areas, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, lands congressionally designated as ‘no leasing’, and other lands identified through land use planning. How did BLM make the decision to offer lands for lease near rivers? In some oil and gas lease sales BLM offers lands for oil and gas leasing near riverways, including those being considered for Wild and Scenic River reccomendation in planning. These special places are floated by Utahns and visitors from throughout the
