All public lands that are available for oil and gas leasing must be offered through a competitive leasing process. Noncompetitive leasing takes place after a parcel has been offered competitively, but failed to receive a bid. After public lands are leased, applications to conduct exploration, drilling, and production-related activities are reviewed to ensure technical competence, environmental protection, and mineral resources conservation. BLM is then responsible for approving and inspecting drilling and producing operations.

You can find specific information concerning leasing and operating on BLM lands in Colorado on our Oil and Gas page.

Oil and gas activity fluctuates in response to oil and gas prices and general economic conditions. As of the summer of 2007, about 3,300 of the state's 10,000 producing wells are located on lands under BLM jurisdiction.