BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 25 (Our California Times) — The Bureau of Land Management has approved updates that clear the way for new oil and gas leasing on federal lands in California’s Central Coast region, reopening a long-delayed energy process after a December 2022 settlement agreement, the agency said.
The decision 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 said the action lets it resume leasing within its Central Coast Field Office.
BLM said the decision was based on a supplemental environmental impact statement and is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418, which supports federal efforts to expand domestic energy opportunities.
The move also comes as the agency reviews other Central California land-use decisions that include San Luis Obispo County. In a separate Bakersfield Field Office process, the BLM has been examining whether to revise leasing rules for parts of eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.
The agency did not identify specific parcels for immediate lease sales in the announcement.
