\u201cWhen the BLM conducts an environmental analysis for leases, it covers potential uses,\u201d the spokesperson said in a statement. \u201cFederal law grants the BLM authority over federal mineral estates in California, but issuing a lease does not grant an automatic right to begin operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The operators must still acquire the right permits and stick to environmental standards, the BLM stressed. The BLM identified 44 parcels<\/a> that make up 36,000 acres from Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo and Fresno counties for the December lease offer.<\/p>\n California banned fracking in October 2024. BLM lists it as a potential use for some of the land.<\/p>\n The Trump Administration recently announced the idea to boost energy exploration and production on federal lands. The president calls the executive order \u201cUnleashing American Energy<\/a>.\u201d The plan has its critics.<\/p>\n Detractors of the idea, including the Center for Biological Diversity\u2019s Climate Law Institute<\/a>, say that sort of drilling is a threat to the environment \u2014 and one they are prepared to fight.<\/p>\n \u201cFracking is a destructive practice that can contaminate the water we drink, pollute the air we breathe, and spew massive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, intensifying climate change,\u201d Cooper Kass, an attorney with the center, said in an email. \u201cMany chemicals used in fracking are carcinogenic, and fracking operations can release dangerous hydrocarbons \u2014 like benzene, toluene, and xylene \u2014 into the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n The areas available for lease in December are largely in Kern County, including north of Bakersfield near Round Mountain and Poso Creek. There are also areas near Antelope Hills west of Bakersfield along Highway 58, as well as near the Temblor Special Recreation Management Area to the western end of Kern County.<\/p>\n Fresno County\u2019s offering for the December leasing includes 140 acres in Coalinga. Other areas in the Valley have been listed as part of the plans, but they are not included in the December lease offerings.<\/p>\n The proposal is open for comments through Sept. 20 at the BLM\u2019s website (eplanning.blm.gov<\/a>) by clicking the \u201cparticipate now\u201d button.<\/p>\n