The United States Department of the Interior has given approval for the removal of certain areas from oil and gas leasing, according to Secretary Deb Haaland. The order does not affect the previously authorized Wolf Creek Gas Storage Area, with the withdrawal initiative commencing in October 2022.
"The Thompson Divide area is a treasured landscape, valued for its wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and abundant recreation, ecological and scenic values. Today's action has been the goal of a decades-long grassroots effort from a diverse stakeholder group, including hunters, anglers, ranchers, conservation groups, and local governments – and reflects this administration's ongoing commitment to honoring and lifting up locally led conservation efforts," stated Haaland.
The White House issued a fact sheet on October 12th, 2022 which indicated that the area affected by this removal is approximately 225,000 acres. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service were responsible for submitting the withdrawal petition and application. The same fact sheet also highlighted that oil and gas-related leases already in existence are unaffected by this move. These leases constitute less than 1% of over 3,000 active Federal leases across Colorado.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an April 3 press release from the BLM: "This action from the Biden-Harris administration not only protects the Thompson Divide area’s rich ranching heritage, it supports the growing recreation economy that is the lifeblood of so many rural communities. Around $30 million flows through this region every year thanks to a one-of-a-kind landscape that draws visitors for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and so much more. This important step will help ensure those scenic, recreation and environmental values remain intact."
According to a news release detailing specifics about land removals: approximately 197,745 acres have been removed from White River and Grand Mesa as well as Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests. Additionally, 15,465 acres of BLM-managed public lands and 8,689 acres of reserved federal mineral interest under non-federal land have been removed. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act authorizes the removal of 5,000 acres or more for up to 20 years, with the possibility of renewal.
