In regards to a previous post (Tuesday, March 4, 2008 State of New Mexico Hosts Open House Meeting), the comment form can be found by clicking here or here. The deadline is April 15, 2008.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
"My View(s)" SantaFeNewMexican.com March 9, 2008
From Ellen Cavalli, SantaFeNewMexican.com, "Now is the time to debunk oil industry myths:"
"Our music comes on compact discs and iPods these days, but I'm old enough to remember what a broken record sounds like. And oh boy, do I hear it whenever the topic of drilling in the Galisteo Basin comes up. So I wanted to set the record straight about what I call the "Four Big Myths," which I hear again and again." (click here for full article)
From Kim Sorvig, SantaFeNewMexican.com, "Oil and gas welcome to play by same rules:"
"This industry is one of the country's worst polluters, producing: more volatile organic compounds air pollutants than all other sources combined in some regions; 6,700 contaminated waste pits in New Mexico alone; nearly 9 percent fouled groundwater; water pollutants like benzene or radioactive materials at 100 times the Environmental Protection Agency levels permitted for any other industry; stream-killing sediments from unregulated pads and roads." (click here for full article)
"Our music comes on compact discs and iPods these days, but I'm old enough to remember what a broken record sounds like. And oh boy, do I hear it whenever the topic of drilling in the Galisteo Basin comes up. So I wanted to set the record straight about what I call the "Four Big Myths," which I hear again and again." (click here for full article)
From Kim Sorvig, SantaFeNewMexican.com, "Oil and gas welcome to play by same rules:"
"This industry is one of the country's worst polluters, producing: more volatile organic compounds air pollutants than all other sources combined in some regions; 6,700 contaminated waste pits in New Mexico alone; nearly 9 percent fouled groundwater; water pollutants like benzene or radioactive materials at 100 times the Environmental Protection Agency levels permitted for any other industry; stream-killing sediments from unregulated pads and roads." (click here for full article)
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act
From an email alert, "Dear Friend of Archaeological Preservation,
The Galisteo Basin Archaeological Coordination Group has recently submitted a Vision and Action Plan, and a Budget to the New Mexico
So, please take a few minutes and send a letter or email voicing your support for funding of the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act. Senators Bingaman and Domenici, as well as Congressman Udall, also have contact pages on their websites, where you can enter your message and send it electronically.
So, please take a few minutes and send a letter or email voicing your support for funding of the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act. Senators Bingaman and Domenici, as well as Congressman Udall, also have contact pages on their websites, where you can enter your message and send it electronically.
Thank you for your help and support,
Bob Powers
Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Coordination Committee"
US Senator Bingaman: click here
US Senator Domenici: click here
US Representative Udall: click here
Thursday, March 6, 2008
"Oil's End," Timothy Egan, The New York Times
From The New Yorks Times Outposts by Timothy Egan, "The common thread in all of this is oil. The Age of Oil brought us John D. Rockefeller’s monopoly, and corruption that reached into the White House. It may end with an industry too bloated by profit and too arrogant to pay the costs of its mistakes — and a president who is deaf to the sound an energy empire makes before it crumbles." (click here to go to full article link)
Climate Activism Training and Lecture: Bill McKibben & Mike Tidwell
Climate Activism Training and Lecture
Bill McKibben: Featured Keynote Speaker
Mike Tidwell: Activist and Author
Wednesday, March 26th, Training: 5 – 6:30pm, Lecture: 7 - 8pm
Student Union Ballroom, University of New Mexico
Want to learn more about climate activism and what you can do to help fight global warming? Click here for directions and attend this inspiring and informative event! Click here for a map. Click here for more information about Bill McKibben.
These events are free and sponsored by Bookworks, 1Sky New Mexico and UNM.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
"Energy company cedes its oil, gas leases along Front," Great Falls Tribune online
From www.greatfallstribune.com, "Kohlman Co. out of Billings took advantage of a 2006 federal bill aimed at protecting the Front from oil and gas development by agreeing to relinquish 22 leases on 33,411 acres south of U.S. Highway 2 in the Badger-Two Medicine area to Trout Unlimited. The conservation group announced the news Tuesday.
Since 2006, 63,374 acres have been withdrawn from oil and gas development. In that year, Congress passed legislation banning future oil and gas leasing on 400,000 acres of federal lands along the Front.
The bill extended and expanded the 1997 decision by former Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Gloria Flora to withdraw 365,000 acres of federal land in the Front from new leasing activities.
The 2006 legislation offered tax incentives to companies that give existing leases to conservation groups. Kohlman was the fourth lease-holder to give up control of its leases since the legislation passed. Questar, Epperson and Alberta Clipper previously gave up plans to develop natural gas on the Front....
“When we told them the area was blanketed by existing oil and gas leases, they couldn’t believe it,” Sentz said. “It’s really a very spectacular area.”
Another time, Sentz was guiding top-level U.S. Forest Service officials to Goat Mountain, where Chevron wanted to drill at the time.
One of the officials commented, “‘Good Lord, this should have never been leased in the first place,’” Sentz said." (click here for full article)
Since 2006, 63,374 acres have been withdrawn from oil and gas development. In that year, Congress passed legislation banning future oil and gas leasing on 400,000 acres of federal lands along the Front.
The bill extended and expanded the 1997 decision by former Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Gloria Flora to withdraw 365,000 acres of federal land in the Front from new leasing activities.
The 2006 legislation offered tax incentives to companies that give existing leases to conservation groups. Kohlman was the fourth lease-holder to give up control of its leases since the legislation passed. Questar, Epperson and Alberta Clipper previously gave up plans to develop natural gas on the Front....
“When we told them the area was blanketed by existing oil and gas leases, they couldn’t believe it,” Sentz said. “It’s really a very spectacular area.”
Another time, Sentz was guiding top-level U.S. Forest Service officials to Goat Mountain, where Chevron wanted to drill at the time.
One of the officials commented, “‘Good Lord, this should have never been leased in the first place,’” Sentz said." (click here for full article)
"Judge OKs stricter rules on drilling waste," SantaFeNewMexican.com
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "A state district judge has upheld the state's move to tighten regulations on surface waste disposal from oil and gas operations over the protest of 16 companies.
The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission won the appeal in state District Court in Santa Fe on Feb. 26 but didn't find out about the decision until Friday.
Mark Fesmire, head of the Oil Conservation Division, said the new rule primarily sets new limits on the amount of salt allowed in waste that is spread out on 'land farms" and remediated naturally. Under the old rule, he said, "we had not adequately controlled the waste generated during oil and gas drilling...'
Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, said he's not surprised District Judge Daniel A. Sanchez ruled in the commission's favor. 'Judge Sanchez has consistently allowed the OCD to virtually write every opinion he's penned,' Gallagher said." (click here for full article)
The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission won the appeal in state District Court in Santa Fe on Feb. 26 but didn't find out about the decision until Friday.
Mark Fesmire, head of the Oil Conservation Division, said the new rule primarily sets new limits on the amount of salt allowed in waste that is spread out on 'land farms" and remediated naturally. Under the old rule, he said, "we had not adequately controlled the waste generated during oil and gas drilling...'
Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, said he's not surprised District Judge Daniel A. Sanchez ruled in the commission's favor. 'Judge Sanchez has consistently allowed the OCD to virtually write every opinion he's penned,' Gallagher said." (click here for full article)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
State of New Mexico Hosts Open House Meeting
From an EMNRD press release, "The State of New Mexico through the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department will host an Open House allowing the public to ask questions and make comments to representatives if various state agencies regarding proposed oil and gas drilling in the Galisteo Basin area of Santa Fe County. The meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at the Santa Fe Community College at 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
'Governor Richardson's Executive Order created a 6-month moratorium on activities related to new oil and gas drilling in Galisteo Basin. An important part of the work state agencies will be doing during the moratorium is gathering and evaluating public input' said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. 'This is an opportunity for citizens to provide meaningful comments in their areas of interest and concern.'
Citizens may provide written comments through the internet or at the Open House. An official comment form will be available beginning mid-day on March 10, 2008, at the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department web site: www.emnrd.state.nm.us . On the home page, click on 'Santa Fe Drilling Public Comments Form.' Instructions will also be published at this link. The comment period will close on April 15, 2008."
'Governor Richardson's Executive Order created a 6-month moratorium on activities related to new oil and gas drilling in Galisteo Basin. An important part of the work state agencies will be doing during the moratorium is gathering and evaluating public input' said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. 'This is an opportunity for citizens to provide meaningful comments in their areas of interest and concern.'
Citizens may provide written comments through the internet or at the Open House. An official comment form will be available beginning mid-day on March 10, 2008, at the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department web site: www.emnrd.state.nm.us . On the home page, click on 'Santa Fe Drilling Public Comments Form.' Instructions will also be published at this link. The comment period will close on April 15, 2008."
Monday, March 3, 2008
Oil Conservation Commission Wins Appeal
From an EMNRD press release, "The Oil Conservation Commission won an appeal in First Judicial District Court, County of Santa Fe, State of New Mexico against sixteen oil and gas companies that challenged the adoption of revised rules regulating surface waste management in oil and gas operations....'We are pleased with the court's decision,' said Mark Fesmire, Chair of the Oil Conservation Commission. 'Strengthening our rules on how industry handles surface waste management in oil and gas operations is about protecting public health, ground water, and the environment.'"
Saturday, March 1, 2008
"Drilling's hidden costs" -- SantaFeNewMexican.com
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "Fesmire said the fines for violating Oil Conservation Division rules are "a little anemic."
"It's the same fine structure as in the 1935 statues," he said. "You could really get compliance with a $1,000 fine in 1935. Not now."' (for the full article, click here)
From the same edition, another article, "The six people responsible for inspecting the 23,000 oil and gas wells in the San Juan Basin meet early every morning to talk about what they did the day before. ...
Funding for the Oil Conservation Division was cut by $302,000 during the most recent legislative session.
The division staff and others, including Gov. Bill Richardson, have suggested the cuts were retaliation for the tougher environmental regulations proposed by the division.
"The public wants us to do our jobs. But our hands are tied with political things," Perrin said. "There's not enough money, not enough trucks; gas is too expensive."' (click here for the article, "Inspectors struggle to monitor vast area")
Funding for the Oil Conservation Division was cut by $302,000 during the most recent legislative session.
The division staff and others, including Gov. Bill Richardson, have suggested the cuts were retaliation for the tougher environmental regulations proposed by the division.
"The public wants us to do our jobs. But our hands are tied with political things," Perrin said. "There's not enough money, not enough trucks; gas is too expensive."' (click here for the article, "Inspectors struggle to monitor vast area")
In a related article from the denverpost.com, '"Capital is a coward," said Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. "It will always follow the path of least resistance, where there are fewer rules, less risk."
But regulators say drillers and producers should brace themselves for the prospect of new regulations throughout the West leaving few places "of least resistance."
"The industry is going to have to come to grips with the fact that the environment has to be protected, and in the arid West we have to protect water," New Mexico's Prukop said." (for full article, click here)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Santa Fe County Emergency Interim Development Ordinance & Map
Emergency Interim Development Ordinance (click here)
Map (click here)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners Passes Emergency Interim Development Ordinance
From a Santa Fe County email:
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COUNTY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS NEW DRILLING
The vote on the emergency interim development ordinance was unanimous with a standing ovation for the Commissioners. There is a lot of work ahead, but today our community came together to protect our local resources. It is a proud moment.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Eggs, Sausage & Conservatism with US Rep. Steve Pearce Video
Eggs, Sausage & Conservatism with US Rep. Steve Pearce video (click here).
About the video: "Steve Pearce wants to succeed retiring US Sen. Pete Domenici in the US Senate, but first he has to win the GOP nomination. In this interview, Santa Fe Reporter staff writer David Alire Garcia questions Pearce on his energy, immigration and health care positions."
About the video: "Steve Pearce wants to succeed retiring US Sen. Pete Domenici in the US Senate, but first he has to win the GOP nomination. In this interview, Santa Fe Reporter staff writer David Alire Garcia questions Pearce on his energy, immigration and health care positions."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
State Senator Phil Griego calls for 12-month oil & gas drilling moratorium in Mora County
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "State Sen. Phil Griego, D-San Jose, urged Mora County commissioners Tuesday to consider approving a 12-month moratorium on oil and gas drilling similar to one Santa Fe County has in place.
Griego also told residents at the meeting to "be cautious" with mineral leases. He said Mora County needs hydrologic and geologic studies before drilling is conducted.
"The Galisteo Basin has kicked open the door to Northern New Mexico," said Griego, who represents six Northern New Mexico counties."
Griego also told residents at the meeting to "be cautious" with mineral leases. He said Mora County needs hydrologic and geologic studies before drilling is conducted.
"The Galisteo Basin has kicked open the door to Northern New Mexico," said Griego, who represents six Northern New Mexico counties."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bruce Black, Geological Consultant to Tecton Energy, LLC
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "I've watched with concern the reaction of Santa Fe County to the attempts of Tecton to develop and explore their oil and gas leases in Santa Fe County. It appears to be an attempt to stop all future oil and gas production and probably all other future mineral exploration in the county." (click here for full story)
About Bruce Black, "Tecton Energy, LLC. announced today that it has retained Dr. Bruce Black under an exclusive long term agreement as a Geological Consultant, working on prospect development in the US and Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Dr. Black is a highly experienced exploration geologist." (click here for press release)
About the Rio Grande Rift, "The commercially successful Tecton Black - Ferrill #1, and subsequent activities, has opened a new oil and gas province in the Rio Grande Rift."(click here)
According to the Oil Conservation Division records, Black-Ferrill #1 is temporarily abandoned. (click here for the latest report at the bottom)
About Bruce Black, "Tecton Energy, LLC. announced today that it has retained Dr. Bruce Black under an exclusive long term agreement as a Geological Consultant, working on prospect development in the US and Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Dr. Black is a highly experienced exploration geologist." (click here for press release)
About the Rio Grande Rift, "The commercially successful Tecton Black - Ferrill #1, and subsequent activities, has opened a new oil and gas province in the Rio Grande Rift."(click here)
According to the Oil Conservation Division records, Black-Ferrill #1 is temporarily abandoned. (click here for the latest report at the bottom)
Drilling Mora County
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "Knute H. Lee Jr. had a pitch for the eastern Mora County residents who showed up Feb. 10 for a barbecue he hosted in the Ocate Community Center: Lease out your oil and gas mineral rights through his Albuquerque company, KHL Inc.
A total of 116 people from surrounding communities turned out to chow down on barbecued beef brisket, chicken and potato salad, and to hear Lee's proposition.
"Several people were opposed to leasing," said Ojo Feliz resident Rose Josefa, who attended the event. "Many were interested in how the royalty and rental system works. The rest were quiet but not very welcoming. I didn't get the sense that people were jumping up and down over his offer."' (click here for full article)
Also from the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "But here's the kicker for people who don't want to lease their mineral rights, such as Rose Josefa in Ojo Feliz. She might have no choice but to allow mineral extraction from under her land — although she could make some money from it.
One way is through forced pooling of mineral leases within a spacing unit. The state determines how many wells are allowed per spacing unit, Fesmire said. The spacing unit varies depending on the depth of the hydrocarbons, whether the well is for oil or gas, and whether the area is controlled by any special rules. In New Mexico, those units vary from 40 acres up to 320 acres. In California, spacing units are as small as one well per acre, according to the Oil and Gas Accountability Project, a nonprofit dedicated to educating property owners about hydrocarbon development.
If Josefa's property falls within the same spacing unit as neighbors who agree to lease their mineral rights, she can be forced to join in the well and the lease pool, Fesmire said."(click here for full article)
A total of 116 people from surrounding communities turned out to chow down on barbecued beef brisket, chicken and potato salad, and to hear Lee's proposition.
"Several people were opposed to leasing," said Ojo Feliz resident Rose Josefa, who attended the event. "Many were interested in how the royalty and rental system works. The rest were quiet but not very welcoming. I didn't get the sense that people were jumping up and down over his offer."' (click here for full article)
Also from the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "But here's the kicker for people who don't want to lease their mineral rights, such as Rose Josefa in Ojo Feliz. She might have no choice but to allow mineral extraction from under her land — although she could make some money from it.
One way is through forced pooling of mineral leases within a spacing unit. The state determines how many wells are allowed per spacing unit, Fesmire said. The spacing unit varies depending on the depth of the hydrocarbons, whether the well is for oil or gas, and whether the area is controlled by any special rules. In New Mexico, those units vary from 40 acres up to 320 acres. In California, spacing units are as small as one well per acre, according to the Oil and Gas Accountability Project, a nonprofit dedicated to educating property owners about hydrocarbon development.
If Josefa's property falls within the same spacing unit as neighbors who agree to lease their mineral rights, she can be forced to join in the well and the lease pool, Fesmire said."(click here for full article)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tecton Energy, LLC Threatens to Sue Santa Fe County
From the SantaFeNewMexican.com, "We are currently exploring our legal options to counter the actions being taken by the county and the state," Tecton's statement says. "They do not comply with state law. ... They ignore our company's legal right to pursue oil and gas operations in the area, and they violate federal and state law prohibiting takings of private property without just compensation." (click here for full article).
Takings? If Tecton were to begin drilling for gas and oil in the Galisteo Basin, the "takings" would be our groundwater aquifer, our property values, our health, our safety, the destruction of our cultural-historical archaeological heritage, our fiscal and economical engine, and be a public nuisance. Tecton is only leasing oil & gas minerals. Tecton has not demonstrated that there is viable oil & gas development in the Galisteo Basin from those leases. Tecton has not demonstrated that there would be "a huge blow to a key source of state revenue."
We have the right to protect our resources.
Takings? If Tecton were to begin drilling for gas and oil in the Galisteo Basin, the "takings" would be our groundwater aquifer, our property values, our health, our safety, the destruction of our cultural-historical archaeological heritage, our fiscal and economical engine, and be a public nuisance. Tecton is only leasing oil & gas minerals. Tecton has not demonstrated that there is viable oil & gas development in the Galisteo Basin from those leases. Tecton has not demonstrated that there would be "a huge blow to a key source of state revenue."
We have the right to protect our resources.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Emergency Interim Development Ordinance
On February 26, 2008, the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners (BCC) will vote on an Emergency Interim Development Ordinance. The ordinance, which would prohibit development approvals for oil, gas and geo-thermal grading, drilling and extraction within the Galisteo Basin for twelve months and provide a six month extension. The Emergency Interim Development Ordinance would be in effect "until the adoption of a general plan amendment, a Galisteo Basin Area Plan, a capital improvement and public services program, creation of a special improvement district for the code addressing and resolving the health, safety, cultural-historical archaeological, fiscal, economic, planning, infrastructure and services, groundwater aquifer, environmental and public nuisance impacts of such grading and drilling."
The ordinance will be posted on the Santa Fe County website (click here) and there will be a map of the target area. The BCC would hire experts to discern the compatibility of oil & gas activity in the Galisteo Basin and to conduct baseline studies. The target area of the map can be expanded to other areas in Santa Fe County, if needed. The BCC has hired Dr. Robert H. Freilich (click here) as special counsel to help rewrite development codes.
According to the SantaFeMexican.com (click here), "Part of the process of developing these plans will be to conduct studies of these issues. Freilich said he will also use the draft ordinance already created by Ross, and results from studies of the Galisteo Basin area ordered by Richardson, to inform his own plans. He hopes to have a draft by November.
Freilich promised stakeholders would be included in every step of the planning process."
The ordinance will be posted on the Santa Fe County website (click here) and there will be a map of the target area. The BCC would hire experts to discern the compatibility of oil & gas activity in the Galisteo Basin and to conduct baseline studies. The target area of the map can be expanded to other areas in Santa Fe County, if needed. The BCC has hired Dr. Robert H. Freilich (click here) as special counsel to help rewrite development codes.
According to the SantaFeMexican.com (click here), "Part of the process of developing these plans will be to conduct studies of these issues. Freilich said he will also use the draft ordinance already created by Ross, and results from studies of the Galisteo Basin area ordered by Richardson, to inform his own plans. He hopes to have a draft by November.
Freilich promised stakeholders would be included in every step of the planning process."
"Hauled It Away" by Kim Sorvig
Hauled It Away
(with apologies to John Prine & Woody Guthrie)
by Kim Sorvig
When I was a child, we lived near the mountains.
The place I grew up was in New Mexico.
Our house is still there, on the edge of a mesa,
but now only memories of a long time ago
Chorus: Daddy won’t you take me back to Santa Fe County,
to the mountains and mesas where paradise lay?
I’m sorry my son, but you’re too late in asking --
Ten thousand tank trucks have hauled it away.
Sometimes we’d hike on down the arroyo
to the ruins of a pueblo beside an old spring.
My grandfather taught me the Indians loved nature.
My mom just said Johnny, now don’t touch a thing.
The oil companies came with a thousand huge oil rigs,
polluted the water and tortured the land.
Drilled for their oil till the land was deserted
and wrote it all down to the progress of man.
My dad tried to stop them, they took him to prison.
They took all the money he’d made in his life.
My mom she got sick from drinking well-water
and breathing the gas fumes she took down and died.
Daddy won’t you take me back to Santa Fe County,
to the mountains and mesas where paradise lay?
I’m sorry my son, but you’re too late in asking --
Ten thousand oil trucks have hauled it away.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
"Drilling Albuquerque" and other articles
From the alibi.com January 31 - February 6, 2008, "Drilling Albuquerque" (click here):
"Tecton knew it could expect controversy by looking for oil near Santa Fe. “Without tooting our horn,” says Dirks, “we did our homework. We spent months meeting with state and county government officials. The initial reception we received was quite favorable. Most people expressed some amount of support and/or curiosity. We didn’t encounter anyone who said ‘No! And go away forever!’ ”
Dirks says the company worked closely with the county to figure out the best way to introduce the project to the public, which resulted in two public meetings at the end of 2007 in Santa Fe County. "At those meetings we began to get a new perspective on how vigorously this would be opposed.”
Great video at YouTube - "Hardrock Minining - Re-think; Reform" (click here).
High Country News, "Time to call the gas industry's bluff" (click here):
"This year, Rifle, Colo., the epicenter of a $2 billion-a-year gas play, will receive less than $500,000 in state severance taxes, a pittance given the tens of millions the city must invest to deal with the social and infrastructure impacts caused by the gas industry.
The citizens of Colorado have no control over whether we get gouged at the gasoline pump. But we do have the power to insist that an industry this large and profitable pay its fair share."
"Tecton knew it could expect controversy by looking for oil near Santa Fe. “Without tooting our horn,” says Dirks, “we did our homework. We spent months meeting with state and county government officials. The initial reception we received was quite favorable. Most people expressed some amount of support and/or curiosity. We didn’t encounter anyone who said ‘No! And go away forever!’ ”
Dirks says the company worked closely with the county to figure out the best way to introduce the project to the public, which resulted in two public meetings at the end of 2007 in Santa Fe County. "At those meetings we began to get a new perspective on how vigorously this would be opposed.”
Great video at YouTube - "Hardrock Minining - Re-think; Reform" (click here).
High Country News, "Time to call the gas industry's bluff" (click here):
"This year, Rifle, Colo., the epicenter of a $2 billion-a-year gas play, will receive less than $500,000 in state severance taxes, a pittance given the tens of millions the city must invest to deal with the social and infrastructure impacts caused by the gas industry.
The citizens of Colorado have no control over whether we get gouged at the gasoline pump. But we do have the power to insist that an industry this large and profitable pay its fair share."
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Coalition for Energy Accountability renamed CommonGround United
The growing list for CommonGround United:
Non-Profit Organizations:
Amigos Bravos
Arroyo Hondo Land Trust
Cimarron Sky-Dog Reserve
Commonweal Conservancy
Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos
Drilling Santa Fe (DSF)
Earth Works Institute
Environment New Mexico
Ecoversity
Galisteo Community Assocation
Madrid Cultural Projects
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
National Wildlife Federation
New Energy Economy
New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC)
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
New Mexico Wildlife Federation
Oil & Gas Accountability Project/EARTHWORKS (OGAP)
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Recursos de Santa Fe
Renewable Energy Partners of New Mexico
The San Marcos Association
Santa Fe Conservation Trust (SFCT)
Southwest Seminars
WildEarth Guardians
The Wilderness Society
Wild Prairie Partners
Businesses:
Althouse, Inc.
BJ Briggs, LLC
Confluence Mediation & Counseling
Coulter-Brooks Art & Antiques
High Feather Ranch Bed and Breakfast
Janine Lehmann Design
The Janis Group, Inc.
Lone Mountain Ranch
New Mexico Biotech, Inc.
OpenMake Software
Rush Creek Editions
Saltamontes on Grasshopper Hill Retreat
Santa Fe Permaculture
Thal Equine, LLC & Thal Boarding Training, LLC
Citizens' Activists Groups (not 501(c)):
Santa Fe Not Oil
Individuals:
Tweeti Blancett, plus many others.
Click here for the position paper.
The Coalition for Energy Accountability has been renamed, CommonGround United, P.O. Box 23150, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87502.
Contact: Johnny Micou, drillingsantafe@earthlink.net, 505-474-3061.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Governor Richardson Issues Executive Order Imposing a Six Month Moratorium on New Oil and Gas Drilling in Santa Fe County and the Galisteo Basin
Press Release:
"Places like the
The Oil Conservation Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department shall temporarily suspend the processing and granting of applications for permits to drill for oil and gas in
The New Mexico Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs, the New Mexico Environment Department, the Office of the State Engineer, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and other executive agencies are instructed to conduct an assessment of all existing laws, regulations, policies, and planning documents to ensure that no oil and gas drilling activity occurs in Santa Fe County and the Galisteo Basin that would be detrimental to the interests of the State of New Mexico and its citizens.
“Careful examination of the
Executive Agencies affected by this Executive Order shall report to Office of the Governor and the Secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department no later than June 24, 2008.
Extend the County Drilling Permit Moratorium for Land Use Planning
The next Board of County Commissioners meeting is January 29th. It is extremely important to extend the moratorium on applications to drill oil or natural gas wells until baseline studies for hydrology, geology, groundwater, surface water, archaeology and others are conducted for proper land use planning, so please take time NOW to write, email and call all five of the County commissioners about an O&G drilling moratorium extension. Our resources must be protected!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
House Bill 248 by Representative Peter Wirth
Click here for pdf version. Rep. Wirth had called for a six month oil & gas drilling moratorium in Santa Fe County.
Monday, January 21, 2008
SantaFeNewMexican.com list of Galisteo Basin Oil & Gas articles
Click here for the SantaFeNewMexican.com Galisteo Basin Oil & Gas articles combined or go to http://www.santafenewmexican.com/oil/.
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