BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 25 (Our California Times) — The Bureau of Land Management has approved a decision that will allow oil and gas leasing to resume on public lands in California’s Central Coast region, reopening federal energy development opportunities after a December 2022 settlement agreement.
The agency said the action is based on a supplemental environmental impact statement and applies to 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.
BLM said the update is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418, which the Interior Department says supports federal efforts to expand domestic energy opportunities.
The agency did not say when the first leases could be offered or identify specific parcels for development.
