Federal Register #2026-18106

Intent to Prepare Programmatic EIS for Southern Ute Mancos Shale Oil & Gas Development

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is announcing its intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for oil and gas development on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in La Plata County, Colorado. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - In partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe - Scope: - Preparation of a Programmatic EIS for exploration and development of the Mancos Shale Formation and other oil and gas resources - Covers approximately 108,000 acres on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation - Purpose: - Evaluate environmental impacts of oil and gas development - Establish goals and objectives for orderly, efficient, and environmentally responsible development of Tribal trust minerals - Public Participation: - Notice invites public comments and participation in the scoping process - No immediate procurement or contracting requirements are specified in this notice - No OEMs, vendors, or specific products/services are identified at this stage

Description

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe intend to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the effects of exploration and development of the Mancos Shale Formation and other oil and gas resources within an approximately 108,000-acre planning area on existing leases located within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The EIS will consider environmental impacts such as air and water quality, traffic, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, and economic effects. The process includes public scoping with a meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026, and a comment period ending October 5, 2026. The final EIS and Record of Decision are expected by June 2028.

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