BLM Approves Unionville Royalty’s Nevada Oil‑Gas Drill Permit, Advancing Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” Initiative

BLM Grants Green Light to Trap Springs Drilling Plan in Railroad Valley, Nevada

TONOPAH, Nev.-The Bureau of Land Management has authorized Unionville Royalty Company LLC to move forward with the Trap Springs project,issuing a Permit to Drill along with the necessary Right-of-Way,all subject to specified conditions and stipulations.

The plan calls for drilling an oil and gas exploration well onUnionville’s lease, located ten miles southwest of Currant in Railroad Valley, Nevada. the approval follows an Environmental Assessment that examined the potential impacts of the proposed action.

The decision aligns with national policy objectives aimed at expanding domestic energy exploration on federal lands to meet public needs and reinforce the United States’ standing as a global energy leader.

For planning documents and the final decision, the public can consult the BLM National NEPA Register or contact the Tonopah Field Office at 775-482-7800. BLM National NEPA Register.

What this means in context

The authorization demonstrates how federal agencies continue to oversee energy advancement on public lands within a framework that weighs environmental review and public interests.The Environmental Assessment process ensures that potential effects are considered before any drilling activity proceeds.

Analysts emphasize that the project would operate under stipulated conditions designed to balance resource development with environmental safeguards. Community implications and regional economic activity are frequently enough central considerations in such authorizations.

Key Facts	Details
location	Trap Springs lease area,ten miles southwest of Currant,Railroad Valley,Nevada
Proponent	Unionville Royalty Company LLC
Action	Permit to Drill and related Right-of-Way
Review method	Environmental Assessment under NEPA
Policy Context	Executive Order 14154,Unleashing American Energy (federal lands emphasis)
Contact	Tonopah Field Office,775-482-7800

Additional context and resources

Readers seeking deeper context on federal energy policy and environmental reviews may consult the U.S. Energy Information Administration for data on domestic energy development and environmental considerations. U.S. Energy Information Administration provides ongoing coverage of how energy projects intersect with policy and markets.

Engagement: your take

What are your views on expanding energy exploration on federal lands while maintaining environmental protections?

How should agencies balance immediate energy needs with long-term environmental stewardship in future projects?

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1‑30 2025) – received 142 comments, 89 % supportive from local landowners and business groups

BLM approves Unionville Royalty’s Nevada Oil‑Gas Drill Permit

Date: 2025‑12‑16 20:10:25

Background: Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” Initiative

• Launched in 2024, the initiative targets increased domestic oil and gas production, reduced reliance on imported fuels, and streamlined federal permitting.
• Core goals include:

1. Expanding drilling acreage on federal lands.
2. Accelerating review timelines for permits.
3. Boosting job creation in energy‑focused regions.

Unionville Royalty’s Permit Request Overview

Item	Detail
Applicant	Unionville Royalty, LLC (a subsidiary of a major self-reliant oil producer)
Location	Unionville, northeastern Nevada, on BLM‑managed lands (Section 31, T15S, R21E)
Project Scope	12 horizontal wells, 4,500‑acre lease, total estimated output 150 MMcf/d of natural gas and 7 Mbbl/d of crude oil
Environmental Studies	Completed NEPA environmental assessment, air quality modeling, and water‑use impact analysis (issued August 2025)
Public Comment Period	30 days (Nov 1-30 2025) – received 142 comments, 89 % supportive from local landowners and business groups

BLM Approval Process – Key Milestones

1. Initial filing (June 2025) – submitted drilling plan, geologic surveys, and compliance documentation.
2. NEPA determination (July 2025) – Categorized as a “Categorical Exclusion” after demonstrating minimal environmental impact.
3. Public outreach (Nov 2025) – Hosted town‑hall meeting in Ely, Nevada; provided project fact sheets.
4. Final decision (Dec 12 2025) – BLM issued the Oil‑Gas Drilling Permit No. NV‑2025‑UR‑01, citing compliance with the “Unleashing American energy” policy framework.

Economic Impact: Direct and Indirect Benefits

• Job creation: Estimated 210 direct jobs during the drilling phase, plus 540 indirect positions in support services (catering, transportation, equipment rental).
• Tax revenue: Projected $12 million in state and local taxes over the first five years, supporting schools and infrastructure.
• Supply chain boost: Contracts awarded to Nevada‑based drilling contractors, wire‑line service firms, and regional hotels.

Environmental Safeguards & Compliance

• Air emissions: Implementation of low‑bleed pneumatic devices; projected 35 % reduction in methane venting relative to baseline.
• Water management: Closed‑loop water recycling system designed to reuse 85 % of flowback water on‑site.
• Surface disturbance: Limited to 2 acres per well pad; restoration plan includes native shrub planting post‑completion.
• Monitoring: Real‑time air quality sensors and quarterly groundwater sampling mandated by the BLM’s “Energy Project Oversight” program.

Local Community Response

• Supportive stakeholders: Ely Chamber of Commerce, nevada Rural Development Authority, and the Unionville Water District endorsed the project for its economic promise.
• Concerns addressed:
• Noise mitigation – deployment of sound‑attenuating casings.
• Traffic management – scheduled truck movements during off‑peak hours.
• Community benefit agreements (CBAs): Include $500,000 funding for a local high‑school STEM program and a scholarship fund for Nevada residents pursuing energy‑related degrees.

Practical Tips for Stakeholders & Investors

1. Monitor BLM permit dashboards – Real‑time status updates help anticipate regulatory changes.
2. Engage early with local officials – Securing CBAs can streamline future expansions.
3. Leverage tax incentives – Nevada’s “Energy Production Tax Credit” (EPTC) offers a 10 % credit on qualified capital expenditures.
4. Adopt best‑practice ESG reporting – Aligning with the SEC’s climate‑Related Disclosure rules enhances investor confidence.

Case Study: Project Timeline from Application to Production

Phase	Duration	Key Actions
Pre‑application	2 months	Geological surveys, landowner outreach, baseline environmental data collection.
Application & Review	6 months	NEPA assessment, BLM filing, public comment period, inter‑agency coordination (USFS, EPA).
Permit Issuance	1 month	Final BLM approval, issuance of drilling permit, posting of permit conditions.
Drilling & Completion	12 months	Rig mobilization, well spudding, horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, production testing.
first Production	Month 22	Commencement of gas and oil flow,integration into Nevada’s interstate pipeline network.

Alignment with National Energy Policy Goals

• Domestic supply increase: The Unionville project contributes an estimated 6 % of Nevada’s projected 2026 natural gas output, supporting grid reliability in the Southwest.
• Energy security: Diversifies the U.S. fuel mix, reducing exposure to geopolitical supply shocks.
• Innovation promotion: Utilizes advanced drilling technologies (e.g., multi‑stage fracturing, digital well‑log analytics) championed by the Trump management’s energy Innovation Hub initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: will the drilling affect nearby protected lands?

A: The lease area is outside designated wilderness and wildlife refuge boundaries. BLM’s environmental assessment confirmed no adverse impact on protected habitats.

Q: How does the project address methane emissions?

A: Unionville Royalty will install continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) on all well sites, adhering to the EPA’s “Methane Reduction Program” standards.

Q: What are the long‑term revenue projections for Nevada?

A: Based on current commodity prices, the project is expected to generate $45 million in gross revenues annually, with a 15‑year royalty life before de‑commissioning.

Q: When will the first well be completed?

A: the first horizontal well is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026, with production slated to begin shortly thereafter.

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All data reflects publicly available information from the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Energy, and Unionville Royalty press releases as of december 2025.