The “Lease” they Can Do – BLM MT Oil and Gas Sale Plans Protested
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Helena, MT – Oil and gas companies are hoping to win big in Montana later this month, as about 250,000 acres of land goes up to bid for development. A local sportsmen's group is playing referee on the drilling plans. Ben Lamb of the Montana Wildlife Federation says the group is protesting about half the proposed drilling sites, because some of them are right on top of certified wildlife and recreation zones such as Beaverhead.
"Beaverhead River's a pretty important fishery in this state for sportsmen, and for outfitters, as well. So, we felt that those were probably ill-conceived."
Drilling is being proposed as part of the solution to lessen the United States' dependence on foreign oil and gas. Lamb acknowledges oil and gas independence is important, but he believes better long-term bets, for Montana and other states, would be to increase fuel efficiency for cars and trucks and encourage conservation.
"We understand that there is a need to become energy independent, but leasing out critical wildlife habitat for the drill bit is not the way to do it."
The protests were officially put on the record yesterday. The leases will be sold November 27th at the Billings office of the Bureau of Land Management.
get more stories like this via email
Social Issues
By Lane Wendell Fischer for the Shasta Scout via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News …
Environment
By Naoki Nitta for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…
Social Issues
Concerns about potential voter intimidation have spurred several states to consider banning firearms at polling sites but so far, New Hampshire is …
Social Issues
Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …
Social Issues
Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…