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US Proposes Energy, Mineral Leasing for 97% of Carlsbad-Managed Lands in New Mexico

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The US Bureau of Land Management on Friday proposed opening 97% of public lands in southeastern New Mexico, managed by the Carlsbad Field Office, for energy and mineral leasing.

The field office manages 2.1 million acres of public lands and 2.7 million acres of subsurface minerals in Eddy and Lea counties, and part of Chaves County in southeastern New Mexico, according to the statement.

"These public lands possess unique geology containing extensive oil and natural gas reserves, which are part of the larger Permian Basin," BLM said, adding that parcels located in the area generated significant revenue during the May oil and gas lease sale.

The proposed resource management plan will help boost energy security, in line with Executive Order 14154 and Secretary's Order 3418 on Unleashing American Energy.

A protest period will run from Sep. 11 through Oct. 13 to allow those whose interests may be impacted by the proposed plan to raise their concerns, with a final decision to follow.

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