Thursday, December 18, 2008
Journal North
Journal Staff Writer
"The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association plans to challenge Santa Fe County's tough new drilling ordinance in court.
The group maintains that the County Commission overstepped its authority last week when it passed the ordinance, one that critics say amounts to a ban on drilling.
“Their moratorium is dressed as an ordinance,” said Bob Gallagher, the group's president. Gallagher was referring to a moratorium on drilling imposed by the county to buy planners time to write a new law.
Supporters of the ordinance say it provides an appropriate check list of requirements that a company would have to meet before drilling can commence. An update to the county's general plan also spells out the infrastructure and service improvements — like paved roads and emergency vehicles — that industry would have to provide.
“You can't let some county commission mandate that you're gonna drive on paved roads and pay for police and fire,” said Gallagher, who said a lawsuit challenging the law would be filed in early 2009.
The debate over the county's authority echoes similar controversies across northern New Mexico as oil and gas companies attempt to explore in relatively untouched areas, such as the pristine mountains around Tierra Amarilla and the Galisteo Basin southeast of Santa Fe.
Santa Fe County planners argue that the state Legislature has delegated to counties “police power” — the authority to write laws promoting the health and prosperity of residents. That authority has also been mentioned by Gov. Bill Richardson, who has called on Santa Fe to regulate the industry. " More (subscription)>>>>>
Journal North
Journal Staff Writer
"The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association plans to challenge Santa Fe County's tough new drilling ordinance in court.
The group maintains that the County Commission overstepped its authority last week when it passed the ordinance, one that critics say amounts to a ban on drilling.
“Their moratorium is dressed as an ordinance,” said Bob Gallagher, the group's president. Gallagher was referring to a moratorium on drilling imposed by the county to buy planners time to write a new law.
Supporters of the ordinance say it provides an appropriate check list of requirements that a company would have to meet before drilling can commence. An update to the county's general plan also spells out the infrastructure and service improvements — like paved roads and emergency vehicles — that industry would have to provide.
“You can't let some county commission mandate that you're gonna drive on paved roads and pay for police and fire,” said Gallagher, who said a lawsuit challenging the law would be filed in early 2009.
The debate over the county's authority echoes similar controversies across northern New Mexico as oil and gas companies attempt to explore in relatively untouched areas, such as the pristine mountains around Tierra Amarilla and the Galisteo Basin southeast of Santa Fe.
Santa Fe County planners argue that the state Legislature has delegated to counties “police power” — the authority to write laws promoting the health and prosperity of residents. That authority has also been mentioned by Gov. Bill Richardson, who has called on Santa Fe to regulate the industry. " More (subscription)>>>>>
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