Colorado agencies seek removal of Roan Plateau parcels from federal oil and gas lease sale

Two Colorado agencies, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, have requested that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) remove specific parcels from an upcoming December oil and gas lease sale. The agencies expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on water quality and wildlife habitats, specifically highlighting areas such as the Roan Plateau and the Beatty Canyon Ranch State Habitat Area.

The BLM has proposed leasing 114 parcels totaling 126,744 acres across several Colorado counties. Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, stated that the department is focused on improving biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency while remaining a national energy source. This request comes amid a significant increase in the number of parcels offered for sale in Colorado this year.