As the Bureau of Land Management reviews public comments related to their September oil and gas lease sale, agency reps say changes to their Environmental Assessment are still possible. The upcoming sale may affect over 80,000 acres in southeastern Utah, and has garnered attention for its size, conflicts with recreation interests, and likelihood to draw ‘rock bottom’ prices. Both Grand County and Moab City have petitioned the BLM to cancel it entirely. And later in the news – in the age-old battle over public land, there’s a new push for smaller land transfers. Plus, the Department of Interior is proposing a rule change that could open the door for more private companies to operate within national parks.

Show Notes:

Photo: Labyrinth Canyon. Credit Ray Bloxham/SUWA

2020 Utah September Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale

https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2000028/510

UPR: In The Age-Old Battle Over Public Land, there’s a New Push For Smaller Land Transfers

https://www.upr.org/post/age-old-battle-over-public-land-new-push-smaller-land-transfers

NPS Rule: Commercial Visitor Services; Concession Contracts

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/07/20/2020-15650/commercial-visitor-services-concession-contracts