BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 25 (Our California Times) — The Bureau of Land Management has approved updated oil and gas management rules for California’s Central Coast, clearing the way for the agency to resume leasing on public lands in several counties under a supplemental environmental impact statement.
In announcing the decision, the BLM said it fulfills a December 2022 settlement agreement and is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418, which the agency said supports federal efforts to expand domestic energy opportunities.
The approval covers public lands in Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, along with portions of Fresno, Merced and San Joaquin counties, according to the BLM.
The agency did not identify specific parcels for immediate lease sales or say when new leases might be offered.
Separate BLM planning materials for the Bakersfield Field Office also list San Luis Obispo County in a broader review of public lands the agency is considering for oil and gas leasing. That review also includes parts of eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.
The BLM has not said whether any new wells will be permitted or drilled on the affected lands. The announcement marked the latest step in a federal leasing process that has been under review through environmental analysis and settlement negotiations.
