Document M4z5zj96ZNBgZNnEo5kBYzEXz

@Interior On Wed, Oct 25, 2017 at 12:45 PM, Newell, Russell <russell newell@ios.doi.gov> wrote: All - attached and below is a draft release on NPR-A lease sale. We'd like to issue this today from BLM around 3:30 pm East Coast time. The reason we'd like to send today and not tomorrow is that Sen. Murkowski has a 4 pm press call and she would like to support it on the call and it would be helpful to have the release out by then. Any issues with that? Let's just say it will be a big day for energy at DOI. The below release has a placeholder for a quote from her and any other AK reps we can get. thank you, Russell FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 34 Contact: Lesli Ellis-Wouters, lellis@blm.gov; 907-271-4418 2017 News Release No. 17 Date: Mon. ##, BLM announces largest-ever oil & gas lease sale within the NPR-A December lease sale will be first to include all 900 tracts within the NPR-A ANCHORAGE-- In keeping with the Administration's goal of achieving American energy dominance, the Bureau of Land Management today announced that it will hold an oil and gas lease sale in December of 900 tracts within part of the 22.8-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The bid opening will be conducted via video livestream. Production of oil derived from sales will help replenish the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). "In May I put my hand on the TAPS and pledged to fill the pipeline and put Alaskans back to work powering the American economy. Holding the biggest-ever NPR-A lease sale will help achieve that goal," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. "Responsible development of oil and gas resources in Alaska creates good-paying local jobs and generates revenue for the state and local communities. I'm excited to work with Mayor Harry Browler, Senator Murkowski and others to put Alaska to work." The December 6, 2017, sale will be the 13th in the NPR-A since 1999. These 900 tracts, which cover 10.3 million acres, constitute all the tracts designated as available for development in the 2013 Record of Decision for the Integrated Activity Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for the NPR-A. [hold for Murkowski quote] "BLM Alaska is committed to supporting energy development while fostering responsible stewardship of the environment," said Karen Mouritsen, Acting State Director for BLM Alaska. "This December lease sale and future lease sales in the NPR-A demonstrate this Administration's commitment to the long term energy strength and economic growth of the State of Alaska." There are currently 189 authorized leases in the NPR-A, covering more than 1,372,688 acres. Bids received for the 12 previous sales generated more than $280 million, half of which was paid to the State of Alaska. "I welcome Secretary Zinke's announcement today that the Bureau of Land Management will hold an oil and gas lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska," said North Slope Borough Mayor Harry K. Brower Jr. "The Secretary's announcement demonstrates his commitment to maximize the tracts offered for sale in NPR-A lease sales while striking a balance between promoting development and protecting subsistence and surface resources." From Aug. 7 through Sept 6 of this year, the BLM sought public input and nominations on all tracts within the NPR-A. The BLM received numerous comments and nominations on tracts available and unavailable for leasing. In February 2015, the BLM issued the Record of Decision for the Greater Mooses Tooth 1 oil and gas development project, opening the way for the first production of oil and gas on public land in the NPR-A. A second, proposed development project within the reserve, called Greater Mooses Tooth 2, is currently under environmental review by the BLM. The upcoming oil and gas lease sales are competitive. A detailed statement of sale, including a description of the tracts offered for lease, the lease terms, conditions and special stipulations, and how and where to submit the sealed bids, will be available at https://on.doi.gov/2fgHGRq. Sealed bids must be received by 4 p.m. (AKST) on Dec. 4, at the BLM-Alaska State Office. The BLM will open sealed bids submitted on the tracts offered at 1 p.m. (AKST) on Dec. 6, and will livestream the opening of the bids at www.blm.gov/live. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands. Russell Newell Deputy Director of Communications U.S. Department of the Interior (202) 208 6232 @Interior Kate MacGregor Acting Assistant Secretary - Land and Minerals Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C ST NW Room 6625 Washington DC 20240 202 208 3671 (Direct)