The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced October 1 that it will offer 43 oil and gas parcels covering approximately 35,000 acres in Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, and Fresno counties at a December 1, 2026 lease sale. A public protest period is open through November 2, 2026.
The announcement advances the specific lease sale that BLM began reviewing in July, following completion of broader environmental reviews. BLM’s June 23 decision allowed oil and gas leasing to resume within the Bakersfield Field Office. The December offering covers approximately 35,000 acres.
Lease offering narrows following public review
BLM initially sought public input on 50 parcels totaling approximately 36,000 acres. By August, the proposal included 44 parcels after the agency combined several adjacent parcels. The October announcement lists 43 parcels covering approximately 35,000 acres.
The offering includes public lands and parcels where the federal government owns mineral rights beneath privately owned land. Most fall within the Bakersfield Field Office’s jurisdiction, with one under the Central Coast Field Office.
The BLM published a Draft environmental assessment for the proposed lease sale on August 21, 2026.
The broader planning process included a draft supplemental environmental impact statement released in January. That review followed litigation and settlement agreements requiring BLM to revisit earlier environmental analyses.
California disputes environmental analysis
California Attorney General Rob Bonta submitted comments challenging the environmental assessment for the proposed sale. In a September 21 announcement, his office argued that BLM inadequately evaluated public health, water supply and quality, air pollution, and sensitive habitats and species.
The attorney general’s office said approximately 16 parcels in the earlier, 44-parcel proposal fell within California’s 3,200-foot public health and safety setback around homes, schools, and other sensitive locations.
Drilling requires additional approval
Leasing does not itself authorize drilling. Before operations begin, an operator must submit a drilling permit application describing its plans. BLM says it will review applications, provide public review, conduct environmental analysis, and coordinate with state partners and stakeholders.