What are some of the recent changes for 2023 BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sales?

Some of the highlighted changes for 2023 Lease Sales include:

• BLM's Administration Fee has increased from $175 to $195;
• Minimum bids for all offered parcels will be $10 per acre, an increase from the $2 per acre minimum bid set in 1987;
• Royalty rates will be 16.67 percent, up from the previous minimum of 12.5 percent; and
• Rental rates will be $3 per acre for the first two years, $5 per acre for years three through eight, and $15 per acre in years nine and ten. Prior to the Inflation Reduction Act, rental rates were $1.50 per acre for the first five years and $2 per acre for each year thereafter, rates originally set in 1987.

Are there registration requirements to conduct business with the Bureau of Land Management?

The BLM requires Enhanced Bidder Registration Forms from all Bidders for Oil & Gas and Geothermal sales. Upon a bidder's registration for a sale, EnergyNet will process these forms and provide electronic copies to the BLM . The Enhanced Bidder Registration Form information and related reports are subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

When will I receive the invoice for the parcels I won?

Within an hour after the last parcel closes, an email will be sent by EnergyNet to the successful bidders containing an invoice for the amount due to the BLM, and a separate email containing an invoice for the amount due to EnergyNet. Invoices are also available on the Buyer's Homepage. Please call EnergyNet at 866-364-4688 if an email is not received within one (1) hour following the sale.

When is the invoice due?

The minimum bonus bid of $10.00 per acre or fraction of an acre, the first year's advance rental of $3.00 per acre or fraction of an acre, and a non-refundable administrative fee to the BLM State Office by the close of business (4:00 PM Mountain Time). Any remaining balance is due ten (10) business days from the close of the auction.

The buyer premium is due within two (2) business days to EnergyNet.

What are the payment options?

Remittance to the BLM may be made by wire transfer, ACH, or Credit Card. Full remittance instructions will be sent with the invoice.

Remittance to EnergyNet may be made by wire transfer, automated clearing house (ACH), or overnighted cashier's check. Full remittance instructions appear on the invoice.

What if the payer is different than the bidder?

If the payer differs from the bidder, simply reference the parcel information with the payment.

What if the bidder name is different from the entity that will hold the lease?

If the lessee's name will be different from the bidder's name, designate the appropriate Lessee Name on the BLM Enhanced Bidder Registration Form during the sale Registration process. On the day of the sale, successful bidders will need to identify the correct Lessee Name on Form 3000-2.

When will I receive my Lease documents?

The BLM prepares lease documents and sends them directly to the identified Lessee for execution. Generally, leases are issued within 60 days, if all protests have been resolved and the Environmental Assessment signed.

Where can I find more information about the Nomination process?

Click Here to View Government Agency Nomination Information

Where do I find out more about placing bids?

Visit the EnergyNet YouTube page to view a video on Bidding Practices and Tips.

Contact the Government Resources Team with any questions at government@energynet.com or (877) 351-4488.