FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Bureau of Land Management announced plans to hold an oil and gas lease sale on March 12, 2026, offering eight parcels totaling 506 acres across Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Mississippi.
The agency completed its scoping process for the parcels in July 2025 and held a public comment period that closed in December 2025. A 30-day protest period opened today and will close Feb. 9, 2026, allowing additional public input on the proposed leases and related environmental analysis.
Leasing represents the first step in developing federal oil and gas resources. Operators seeking to develop leased lands must submit an application for a permit to drill, which undergoes BLM review, public posting, and environmental analysis in coordination with state agencies and stakeholders.
Each parcel offered for lease includes stipulations designed to protect key natural resources. The sale will be conducted online through EnergyNet, with details and updates available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.
Maps, parcel descriptions, and instructions for submitting protests are available on BLM’s ePlanning website:
- Arkansas and Louisiana: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2038397/510
- Michigan: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2039302/510
- Mississippi: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2038972/510