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As of Oct. 1, 2025, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) has become the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E). We appreciate your patience as we transition over the coming months. If you cannot find the information needed on this website, please visit our DENR Archive Website or contact us at info@la.gov.
PSA: Consider What’s Open and Available for Leasing in La.
From the State Mineral and Energy Board
Leasing state owned lands and water bottoms for energy production is our business. Here are a few things that prospective oil and gas companies and industry interested in the Austin Chalk should know:
- The Austin Chalk play is experiencing a resurgence in drilling activity
- The eastern portion of the Austin Chalk play has unexplored and under-explored areas with significant open acreage available
- Specifically, over 70,000 acres of land and water is currently open in this emerging Austin Chalk Play, while over 3,000 acres is available in the Mature Austin Chalk Play
- New permitting and leasing activity is happening right now in Rapides, Avoyelles and Pointe Coupee parishes
- Prospective leaseholders have the convenience of nominating state owned lands and water bottoms online, linked here
DNR’s Office of Mineral Resources has compiled related well data, permitting and play information, and geological maps to assist businesses in reviewing the economic potential of this area for further development. OMR Austin Chalk Play Resource Link.
Contact Dept. of Natural Resources’ OMR at 225-342-4615 and visit the website at Office of Mineral Resources.