The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering opening approximately 5,200 acres of federal land within the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) near Vernal to oil and gas leasing, according to a September 2 statement.
The proposal includes a no surface occupancy restriction that would prohibit drilling inside the refuge. Under the plan, if approved, leaseholders would be required to use directional or horizontal drilling from well pads located outside the ONWR to develop leases.
The BLM has opened a 30-day public scoping period to gather input on the proposal and the preparation of a resource management plan amendment and associated environmental analysis. Public comments are due by Oct. 5, 2026.
The Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is located entirely within the Uinta basin. According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, the basin produced a record 67.9 million bbl of oil and 328 bcf of gas in 2025. The basin is noted for producing waxy crude oil with low sulfur levels, which is highly valued by refineries for the production of engine oils and lubricants.
