BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 25 (Our California Times) — The Bureau of Land Management said it has approved changes that will let it resume oil and gas leasing on public lands in California’s Central Coast region, with a separate federal review extending potential leasing to San Luis Obispo County.
In an announcement, the bureau said the decision follows a supplemental environmental impact statement and fulfills a December 2022 settlement agreement. It said the action covers public lands in Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, plus portions of Fresno, Merced and San Joaquin counties.
The bureau also is taking public comment through July 23 on a separate supplemental environmental impact statement and possible resource-management-plan amendment for the Bakersfield Field Office. That review covers eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.
BLM said the decision is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418, which supports federal efforts to expand domestic energy opportunities.