The Yukon government is seeking public input on potential oil and gas exploration and development in the southern part of the territory.
As of January 18, 2012, the Yukon government has received Request for Postings (RFPs) for oil and gas rights in 12 areas located between Carcross and Carmacks.
These areas exclude First Nations lands, protected areas, municipalities, and other privately held lands.
As part of its oil and gas disposition process, which assigns oil and gas rights for specific areas, the Yukon government is inviting residents to provide comments on any environmental, socio-economic, or surface access concerns they may have.
Comments, which will be accepted until March 31, 2012, can be sent by email to oilandgasdisposition@gov.yk.ca.
“The oil and gas disposition process ensures that the interests of Yukoners are protected while we explore potential opportunities for the responsible development of our oil and gas resources,” said Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers.
Once an RFP location has been approved, companies have 45 days to submit work bids. The minimum work bid that will be accepted is $400,000.
An oil and gas permit is awarded to the successful bidder submitting the highest work bid.
Once oil and gas rights are awarded, any exploration or development work would require appropriate permits and approvals, including review by the Yukon Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment Board.
For more information, visit www.yukonoilandgas.com.
This news item first appeared in EcoLog News (2/10/12). To learn how to subscribe, visit www.ecolog.com