Santa Fe New Mexican/Associated Press:
9/17/2008
"Thousands of acres in northeastern New Mexico were leased for possible oil and gas exploration as part of the state Land Office's September lease sale."...
..."Some New Mexico communities have voiced concerns about increased oil and gas development in the state.
At the beginning of the year, Gov. Bill Richardson imposed a six-month moratorium on drilling in the Galisteo Basin. The Santa Fe County Commission followed with a one-year ban, and the governor extended his moratorium in July to give government agencies more time to protect water aquifers and archaeological and cultural resources.
In August, the Rio Arriba County Commission approved a 180-day extension on a four-month ban on new oil and gas drilling in the county. The county wanted more time to hone new regulations aimed at protecting the county's watersheds.
In response to environmental concerns, Lyons said the state Oil Conservation Division strictly enforces oil and gas statutes to assure responsible energy development." More>>>>
The question is not to drill or not to drill. The United States simply does not have the fossil fuels to meet demand. The question is how to switch to alternative energy sources and have many of those sources local, which would create jobs and foster local economic growth.
As far as the Oil Conservation Division goes, the oil & gas industry fights every regulation and tries to viscerate the OCD's capacity to regulate. Also, local governments have the right to protect resources. And, the lease average was only $30.54 per acre! What about the adverse impacts? What is the price tag for that? OCD also needs a bigger budget, greater staffing, more rule making, and an up-to-date penalty system.
9/17/2008
"Thousands of acres in northeastern New Mexico were leased for possible oil and gas exploration as part of the state Land Office's September lease sale."...
..."Some New Mexico communities have voiced concerns about increased oil and gas development in the state.
At the beginning of the year, Gov. Bill Richardson imposed a six-month moratorium on drilling in the Galisteo Basin. The Santa Fe County Commission followed with a one-year ban, and the governor extended his moratorium in July to give government agencies more time to protect water aquifers and archaeological and cultural resources.
In August, the Rio Arriba County Commission approved a 180-day extension on a four-month ban on new oil and gas drilling in the county. The county wanted more time to hone new regulations aimed at protecting the county's watersheds.
In response to environmental concerns, Lyons said the state Oil Conservation Division strictly enforces oil and gas statutes to assure responsible energy development." More>>>>
The question is not to drill or not to drill. The United States simply does not have the fossil fuels to meet demand. The question is how to switch to alternative energy sources and have many of those sources local, which would create jobs and foster local economic growth.
As far as the Oil Conservation Division goes, the oil & gas industry fights every regulation and tries to viscerate the OCD's capacity to regulate. Also, local governments have the right to protect resources. And, the lease average was only $30.54 per acre! What about the adverse impacts? What is the price tag for that? OCD also needs a bigger budget, greater staffing, more rule making, and an up-to-date penalty system.
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Pansies. All of you.
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