Whenever it appears to the commission that it is for the best interests of the State to lease lands subject to the provisions of Section 6871.1 or 6877 of this code for the production of oil or gas therefrom, or whenever a person who possesses the qualifications provided in this chapter makes written request therefor, the commission may, subject to the provisions of Section 6871.4, offer the same for bidding at such times and in such parcels as the commission shall determine to be in the best interests of the State.
Ca. Pub. Res. Code § 6871.3