As the U.S. Congress nears the Oct. 1 deadline to agree on spending legislation, some oil and natural gas industry representatives fear a federal government shutdown would have serious implications for leasing. 

Congress has until midnight on Saturday to approve a package of 12 bills needed to fund the government. Eight Republican lawmakers have repeatedly blocked a procedural vote to advance an appropriations package while calling for individual discussions for each bill. As the deadline to approve funds draws nearer, it appears more likely a shutdown could ensue. 

The U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would cease all new oil and natural gas lease sales. Applications to drill and rights of way permits would also be put on pause during the...