Energy

In response to criticism by some Western lawmakers of a new federal energy-planning protocol, a coalition of prominent sportsman-conservation groups today reasserted the need for balanced public-lands energy leasing that enables responsible development while sustaining the West’s fish and wildlife heritage and hunting and fishing traditions.

Trout Unlimited today pledged to be an active participant and thoroughly review the U.S. Forest Service’s draft environmental impact statement on the merits of the Plains Exploration and Production Co. natural gas drilling leases in the Wyoming Range.

The US Department of the Interior is considering whether existing regulations need to be expanded or new rules need to be developed for hydraulic fracturing and other natural gas exploration and production activities on public lands, DOI officials said at a Nov. 30 forum at DOI’s headquarters.

Union leaders in this key Western oil and gas producing state have sent U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar a strong message of support for his reforms to oil and gas policy on public lands. 

Dear Editors, News that petroleum giant ExxonMobil supports the disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process associated with oil and gas drilling here in La Plata County and across the West is a significant step in the right direction, and the company deserves a pat on the back for taking this stance.