This week the BLM placed an announcement on their website stating that starting in April 2014 the agency will be holding rotational lease sales, meaning that instead of holding sales for the entire state four times per year, the agency is going to rotate the sales. Thus in April, the leases will only pertain to Oklahoma. In July 2014 SENM properties will be leased. The next lease sale for SENM will be July 2015. The rationale for limiting the number of parcels offered at a lease sale is based on personnel issues. The limitation of leases, particularly SENM, is very disappointing. We are seeking a meeting with State Director Juen to discuss the issue.

The NM Construction Industries Division will be holding a meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Devon facility in Artesia, located at 6488 Seven Rivers Hwy. The meeting is to address the information on oil and gas locations that have come on line since January 1, 2011. The Division is concerned about the lack of information provided and questions that have arisen. Kelly Hunt, Head Electrician for CID, will be conducting the meeting. For more information, see “NM Operators to Provide Electrical Info” below.