BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 25 (Our California Times) — The Bureau of Land Management has approved updates to its oil and gas plan for California’s Central Coast, clearing the way for the agency to resume leasing on federal public lands in seven counties and parts of three others.
The agency said the decision is based on a supplemental environmental impact statement and fulfills a December 2022 settlement agreement. It 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.
BLM said the move is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418 and “supports federal direction to expand domestic energy opportunities.” The agency did not announce any lease sale schedule or specific drilling projects tied to the update.
The decision applies to lands managed by the Central Coast Field Office.
