BLM’s Third Quarter Oil, Gas and Geothermal Sales Generate Nearly $400 Million in Revenue
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WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management generated nearly $400 million in total receipts from oil, gas and geothermal sales held in the third quarter of 2026. These revenues reflect the Trump administration’s ongoing focus on unleashing domestic energy and supporting job growth, and promoting efficient, streamlined permitting and leasing processes.
“This quarter’s sales demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering American energy dominance and reducing reliance on foreign resources, in a transparent and balanced way that considers community needs,” said BLM Director Steve Pearce. “By building on the commonsense, pro-growth policies of the Trump administration, we’re ensuring that we strengthen the partnership between BLM and the energy sector for the benefit of the American people.”
Oil and Gas
From July through September 2026, BLM oil and gas lease sales generated $372.1 million. The sales were held in Montana/Dakotas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Eastern States, Nevada, and Utah, offering a total of 344 parcels across 293,963 acres. BLM sales have generated $5.1 billion in 2026, with first quarter sales of $592.7 million from January through March, and second quarter sales of $4.1 billion. A record second-quarter oil and gas lease sale in May generated more than $4 billion in total receipts in New Mexico and Texas, underscoring strong industry demand for domestic energy development on public lands. In that sale, the BLM sold 74 parcels on 33,530 acres.
The combined bonus bids and rentals from the leases will be distributed between the federal government and the states where the parcels are located. Oil, gas, and geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” BLM's lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens and solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future.
Geothermal
From July through September 2026, the BLM generated $25.8 million for geothermal sales. In August, the BLM set records for the bureau’s highest parcel bid at $4,168,725, and highest per-acre bid at $1,207, and it was the second largest lease sale in total dollars in the Bureau’s history. The BLM accepted winning bids on 32 parcels in Utah totaling 72,398 acres for $24,706,280 in total receipts for a geothermal lease sale. Another August sale in Oregon brought in more than $1.1 million on two parcels totaling more than 9,500 acres.
So far in 2026, the BLM has reported $42.4 million in geothermal lease sales, which reflects continuing industry interest. This includes another successful sale in June in New Mexico that generated $16.6 million on 47 parcels totaling 152,381 acres.
The BLM is planning for more geothermal lease sales this fall in Nevada, Idaho, and California.
The combined bonus bids, rentals, and subsequent royalties from the geothermal leases will be distributed among the U.S. Treasury, the states and counties where the leases are located. Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, and the BLM has authority to manage geothermal leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.