NM Lawmaker Asks Jewell for More Balance in Energy Development
Thursday, April 3, 2014
SANTA FE, N.M. – A New Mexico state lawmaker is among those in seven Western states calling on the federal government to create more balance between energy development and conservation on public lands.
Rep. Nate Cote is among 75 county and state officials from the West who recently signed a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
Cote says the letter asks Jewell to issue a Secretarial Order ensuring that conservation, recreation and wildlife habitat are given equal priority to energy development on public lands.
"As we try to pursue renewable energy sources a little more, and attempt to get people out recreating and a place to recreate, and the surrounding economy, usually benefit from a good balanced use of public land," he explains.
Cote says he believes there is not currently enough consideration of the potential negative impact that energy development may have on America's public lands.
He adds the letter also asks that nearby communities be consulted during each stage of the public lands leasing process for energy exploration.
"We think it's very important to include local communities on the use of the public lands in their community,” he says. “Get their input and go from there, absolutely."
Cote adds that he's fully supportive of energy development, as long as it's done in the best interest of the public lands, long-term.
He says many rural economies, such as his district, which includes the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, can be nearly totally dependent on tourism revenue.
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