What: The total revenue from the August 14 oil and gas lease sale was $113,940,215.50, including a total high bid from The Sellmar Co. DBA SellerSearch of $25,252,000 for a 2,140 acre parcel with a bid of $11,800 per acre.

This is the highest revenue BLM lease sale in the lower 48 to date. Who: Observers at the lease sale included environmental groups, representatives from the State of Colorado, numerous print, radio and television media, and BLM employees.

Protests have been received from environmental groups, individuals, and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and no leases will be granted until all protests are resolved.

Where: BLM Colorado State Office
When: August 14, 2008
Background: The BLM was directed by Congress in 1997 to lease the Roan Plateau for oil and gas development "as soon as practicable."

BLM Colorado signed two separate records of decision for the Roan Plateau Planning Area, the first in June 2007 and the second in March 2008. After the Certification of the Anvil Points Fund by Secretaries Kempthorne and Bodman on August 8, the State of Colorado will now receive their 49 percent share of these lease sale revenues, following resolution of the protests. Contact: Sally Wisely, Colorado State Director, 303-239-3700