FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2018
Interior Department sells oil leases next to three national monuments in Utah
DENVER—Today, the Bureau of Land Management sold oil and gas leases covering 51,400 acres of public lands in southeastern Utah, including parcels adjacent to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and in close proximity to Bears Ears and Hovenweep National Monuments. The three monuments are best-known for significant Native American cultural heritage, including high densities of ruins, rock art, and other artifacts.
In response, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Deputy Director Greg Zimmerman:
“The Trump administration’s all-out assault on America’s public lands was on full display this morning in southern Utah. In its rush to drill everywhere, the Interior Department handed out leases on the doorstep of three national monuments that protect our nation’s natural and cultural heritage. At this rate, Americans visiting national parks and monuments in Utah will soon be met by a pumpjack at every park entrance.”
The 965 acre parcel next to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument received a winning bid of only $7 per acre. The 360 acre parcel near Bears Ears received a winning bid of $28 per acre, while a group of 13 parcels near Hovenweep sold for an average of $29 per acre. Click here for a complete list of winning bids.