Oil Leases Zombie Back from 2017 Grave in New Mexico Dirt
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Notice
Summary
Southland Royalty Company asked to bring back two oil and gas leases in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, that were ended before. The Bureau of Land Management says yes, but with new rules: higher rent ($20 per acre) and a 20% royalty. These leases will restart retroactively from August 1, 2017, for up to two years, so Southland can get back to work under updated terms.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Leases Reinstated Retroactively
The Bureau of Land Management proposes to reinstate two terminated oil and gas leases (NMNM130340 and NMNM130344) held by Southland Royalty Company, effective August 1, 2017, for no greater than two years. This lets the lessee resume activity on those leases under the original and amended lease terms.
Rental Raised to $20 Per Acre
Under the proposed reinstatement, the lessee agreed to pay rental of $20 per acre (or fraction) per year for the leases. That rental rate applies for the reinstated lease period.
Royalty Rate Set at 20%
The reinstated leases include an agreed royalty rate of 20 percent. That royalty rate will apply to production under the reinstated leases.
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