What is the BLM announcing?
The BLM is announcing a pilot project to test the potential migration of its oil and gas lease sale process from traditional oral auctions to an online platform. In the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress directed the BLM to test Internet leasing as an alternative to the oral sales required by the Mineral Leasing Act. This pilot project examines the feasibility of conducting virtual auctions using the Internet, and will evaluate potential savings and benefits to the Federal government and lease sale participants from doing so.