BLM - Bureau of Land Management
09/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2026 11:43
BLM Proposes Expansion of Energy Opportunities in Carlsbad Plan
BLM Proposes Expansion of Energy Opportunities in Carlsbad Plan
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Bureau of Land Management
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Sep 4, 2026
The Guadalupe Mountains outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
CARLSBAD, N.M. - Public lands in southeastern New Mexico will advance the nation's surge toward Energy Dominance under a proposed final revision to a land-use plan for the Carlsbad Field Office. The proposed resource management plan would make 97% of public lands managed by the field office available for energy and mineral leasing alongside expanded grazing and recreational opportunities.
The Carlsbad Field Office manages approximately 2.1 million acres of public lands and 2.7 million acres of subsurface minerals in Eddy and Lea counties, and a portion of Chaves County in southeast New Mexico. These public lands possess unique geology containing extensive oil and natural gas reserves, which is part of the larger Permian Basin. Parcels located in the area were part of a record oil and gas lease sale in May that generated more than $4 billion in total receipts in New Mexico and Texas, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands.
Furthering Executive Order 14154 and Secretary's Order 3418 on Unleashing American Energy, the proposed plan provides for energy independence by encouraging responsible resource development, with 97% of the federal mineral estate available for leasing. This plan also facilitates shared environmental stewardship, creates jobs in rural communities, maintains livestock grazing availability, and increases recreational opportunities throughout the planning area. The remaining 3% not available for leasing includes critical wildlife habitat, cave and karst areas and wilderness study areas near the Guadalupe Mountain range in the southwestern portion of the area.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will publish the associated Notice of Availability in the Federal Register to begin a 30-day protest period for the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Resource Management Plan. The protest period begins Sept. 11, 2026, and ends Oct. 13, 2026. A final decision will follow the resolution of protests.
Those who previously participated in the planning process and have an interest adversely affected by the proposed plan, may file a protest electronically via the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred); or in writing to: BLM Director, Attention: Protest Coordinator (HQ210), Denver Federal Center, Building 40 (Door W-4), Lakewood, CO 80215. For information on how to file a protest, please visit Filing a Plan Protest | Bureau of Land Management.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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