Lufkin, Texas, August 27, 2019 – The USDA Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Supervisor’s Office (NGFT) is beginning the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the effects of identifying NFGT lands administratively available for oil and gas leasing. The proposed action will identify lands available for leasing, leasing stipulations, and necessary amendments to the 1996 NFGT Forest Plan.

 

Scoping is a process used to identity issues of importance to the public.  Scoping begins with the publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare the EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI, which was published in the Federal Register today begins a 45-day public comment period.  Public comments are analyzed to develop alternatives addressing issues raised by the public.

 

Decision Process and How to Comment

 

The public is encouraged to submit written comments.  In addition, comments may be submitted at public meetings held in local communities.  Information related to the EIS process and public meetings will be posted on the project website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/oil-and-gas.

 

Send written comments to:

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Oil and Gas Leasing EIS

C/O Robert Potts, Natural Resources and Planning Staff Officer

2221 N. Raguet St.

Lufkin, Texas 75904

 

Comments may also be faxed to (936) 639-8588 or sent via email to robert.potts@usda.gov. Email attachments will only be accepted in common digital formats such as PDF, Microsoft Word, or rich text format.

 

Although comments are welcome throughout the EIS process, the deadline for providing comments for scoping is October 11, 2019. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will still be accepted and considered.

 

For additional information regarding this project, contact Robert Potts, Natural Resources and Planning Staff Officer, at robert.potts@usda.gov or (936) 639-8501.