NEWS
Former federal lands managers support onshore drilling reforms
The uncontrolled oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico has shown the devastating impacts of oil and gas development gone awry. It’s a reminder about the importance of careful oversight of oil and gas leasing, both off-shore and on-shore, and the need to balance energy development with other important uses of our land and water. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced a series of offshore oil and gas leasing reforms that will provide for better management, monitoring and enforcement of oil and gas operations in coastal waters.
It is equally important that he finalize onshore leasing reforms that were announced in January, ensuring similar levels of protection for landscapes and wildlife habitat. Some 60 former federal and state officials, including former New Mexico BLM Director Jim Baca wrote a letter encouraging Secretary Salazar to continue his proposed reform of the nation’s onshore oil and gas leasing policies. No one understands the issues and challenges of oil and gas development better than those who have served at federal and state land management, wildlife and energy regulatory agencies. Regulating oil and gas development so that meaningful protections are in place is not unnecessarily burdensome - it is essential for our health, safety and livelihoods.