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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-18261, National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Production Site Development
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to streamline its decision-making process for authorizing the construction and operation of qualifying oil and gas production sites and their associated rights-of-way (ROWs) in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (the Petroleum Reserve or NPR-A). This proposed rule would establish pre-defined criteria for defined and repeatable common activities with similar environmental effects that, when met by an applicant, would result in a streamlined permitting process for qualifying production sites.
2026-12738, Royalty for Oil and Gas Lost From Onshore Federal and Indian Leases
The Bureau of Land Management is updating rules about royalties on oil and gas lost from onshore Federal and Indian leases. These changes make it easier for operators to follow the rules and speed up how royalties are figured out. If you’re involved, get your comments in by August 24, 2026, because this could affect how much money is paid or saved.
2026-12734, Oil and Gas Leasing
The Bureau of Land Management is updating its oil and gas leasing rules to make sure public lands are well cared for while supporting American energy. These changes affect companies leasing land for oil and gas, adjusting bond amounts and royalty rules, and aim to simplify the leasing process. You’ve got until August 24, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules take shape!
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.
2026-09386, 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.
2026-20020, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Resource Management Planning
The Bureau of Land Management wants to keep collecting info to help plan how public lands are used. They’re asking for your thoughts by October 30, 2026, to make sure the process is easy and useful. This update won’t cost extra but aims to keep paperwork light and clear for everyone involved.
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.