Feds cancel drilling leases near tribal land in Montana

Federal officials have canceled 15 oil and gas drilling leases near land sacred to the Blackfeet Nation tribe in Montana, the Interior Department announced on Wednesday.

Devon Energy Corp., which held drilling rights in the Badger-Two Medicine Area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, will relinquish its leases there out of concern for cultural and ecological sites near the Native American land.

{mosads}The Blackfeet Nation considers the 130,000-acre Badger-Two Medicine Area sacred. The leader of the tribe’s business council called it “like a church — a divine sanctuary — to our people” in a Wednesday statement.

Tribal leaders have, for years, urged federal officials and Congress to block energy development in the region, winning the backing of Montana Sen. Jon Tester (D) and Gov. Steve Bullock (D). Congress in 2006 withdrew the area from potential mineral development going forward.

The leases canceled on Wednesday were issued in the 1980s, though no company has ever developed oil in the area.

Devon Energy agreed to cede its leases after consulting with federal officials and the tribe. It will be refunded about $200,000 for giving up the leases, according to the Interior Department.

“We’re pleased and proud to celebrate the collaboration that has brought us to this agreement,” President and CEO Dave Hager said in a statement.

“We know how important this is to the Blackfeet people, and we appreciate the work the Interior Department has done to make it possible. For Devon, cancellation of these leases at this time is simply the right thing to do.”

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the decision “will ensure [the area] is protected for future generations.” The decision means only two leases remain in the area.

“Our pursuit to protect the Badger-Two Medicine has lasted more than three decades, and it will continue until all the illegal oil and gas leases are cancelled and the area is permanently protected,” Blackfeet Nation Chairman Harry Barnes said.

“This area is sacred to the Blackfeet people, and we appreciate that others are starting to recognize it as well.”