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.
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