BLM Plans to Revive Old Oil and Gas Leases in NM Counties
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management is planning to bring back several oil and gas leases in Lea and Eddy Counties, New Mexico, that were previously ended. Companies like FAE II LLC and Murchison Oil & Gas have paid their fees and agreed to new terms, including a $20 per acre yearly rent and a 20% royalty. These leases will be reinstated with effective dates going back as far as 2019, so drilling and production can continue smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
BLM proposes lease reinstatements
If you are an oil and gas leaseholder or operator in Lea or Eddy Counties, New Mexico, the BLM proposes to reinstate specific terminated competitive leases for named lessees. The notice lists leases to be reinstated with effective dates ranging from November 1, 2019 through July 1, 2024 for the remainder of the primary term.
Reinstated leases carry $20/acre rent, 20% royalty
If you hold one of these reinstated leases, it will be subject to a rental of $20 per acre (or fraction) per year and a 20 percent royalty. The reinstatements are also subject to the original lease terms and amended stipulations.
Lessees paid back rentals and fees
The lessees filed timely petitions and paid the required rentals accruing from the date of termination, paid the administration fee, and reimbursed the BLM for the cost of publishing this notice. These payments were made as part of the reinstatement process.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09386 — Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule
The Bureau of Land Management is canceling the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule to make land use simpler and more balanced. This change helps local leaders make decisions, boosts access to public lands, and cuts red tape that slowed down projects. The new rule takes effect on June 11, 2026, affecting anyone who uses or manages federal lands, with no new costs expected.
2026-09387 — Revision of Regulations for Grazing Administration, Exclusive of Alaska
The Bureau of Land Management is updating rules for grazing on public lands (except Alaska) to better protect land health and improve how appeals are handled. Ranchers and land users will see clearer guidelines and have until July 13, 2026, to share their thoughts. These changes aim to keep lands healthy while making the process fairer and more efficient, with some deadlines for feedback coming up soon.
2026-11190 — Notice of Filing of Plat of Survey; Iowa
The Bureau of Land Management is officially filing a new land survey for certain U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands in Iowa on July 6, 2026. This affects land boundaries in Township 77 North, Range 23 West, and anyone who disagrees has 30 days to protest in writing. No money changes hands, but this survey helps manage and clarify land ownership and use.
2026-11149 — Termination of the Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Miles City Field Office, Montana, and an Associated Environmental Assessment
The Bureau of Land Management is stopping the update process for the Miles City Resource Management Plan in Montana. This means the 2024 plan changes, including coal decisions, are canceled, and the older 2015 plan (with some 2021 updates) stays in charge. This change saves agency resources and takes effect immediately, affecting local land use and planning.
2026-11151 — Termination of the Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Buffalo Field Office, Wyoming, and an Associated Environmental Assessment
The Bureau of Land Management is stopping the plan to update the Buffalo Field Office’s land use rules in Wyoming. This means the 2024 plan changes, including coal decisions, are canceled, and the older 2015 plan stays in charge. This change takes effect immediately, saving time and resources while keeping things steady for local communities and businesses.
2026-11193 — Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey; Maine
The Bureau of Land Management is officially filing new land surveys for areas in Maine held for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians on July 6, 2026. If anyone disagrees with these surveys, they have 30 days from June 4 to send in a written protest. This update helps manage tribal lands better, with no direct costs to the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03395 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Title-Explosives Licensee/Permittee Out-of-Business Records
The ATF wants to update how they collect info from explosives license holders who go out of business. If you’re affected, you can share your thoughts by March 23, 2026. This update aims to make the process clearer and easier without adding extra costs or time burdens.
Next: 2026-03397 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
Several energy companies, including wind, solar, and power plants, told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about changes in their business status. These updates might affect how they set electric rates, so the public has until February 23, 2026, to share their thoughts. If you’re into energy or electricity prices, keep an eye on these changes—they could impact future costs or operations.