Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

January 2012
Figure 1:
Natural Gas Production, Total*
*Western States (Includes Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming)
Source: BLM Oil & Gas Statistics (2010) Energy Information Administration (2011)
It is also important to note that a simple “federal vs. non-federal” comparison understates the impact of federal land
production in the overall mix of western energy. Figure 2 demonstrates a sample ownership pattern, with federally owned
lands in orange, and non-federal in white. Because federal lands are so commonly interspersed, adjacent or co-mingled
with non-federal lands, many non-federal oil and gas plays in the West would be less desirable without the associated
production of nearby federal lands. <strong>The</strong>refore access to federal lands plays a more important role in energy production in
the West than 40% of overall production number alone suggests. <strong>The</strong> loss of access to federal land can and will encumber
access to some non-federal energy production opportunities as well.
Figure 2:
Example of Federal and Non-Federal Ownership Patterns
Figure 3:
Western States Oil Production, Total*
Source: BLM Ownership Maps, 2011.
BLM Public Lands and Administrative Jurisdictions
Western States (Includes Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming) Source: BLM Oil & Gas Statistics (2010)
Energy Information Administration (2011)
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