Interior: Utah Oil and Gas Sale Flawed

good news and bad news

The Department of Interior released a report today that highlights the flaws in the Bush Administration's December 2008 Oil and Gas Lease sale in Utah that put up tracts of land near iconic national parks for sale to the oil and gas industry. Some of the tracts should have been left out, according to Deputy SOI David Hayes, but some should be re-offered for leasing.

 Read the DOI press release and report: http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/061109a.html

Among changes recommended by the report are: 
» That the BLM work more closely with the Park Service to avoid future listing of parcels too near national parks or monuments;
» That Interior issue specific guidance to help BLM officials decide what parcels are appropriate to auction off for oil and gas leases if they are near parks or other sensitive landscapes, including those with wilderness characteristics;
» That BLM create a special team -- picked by the acting BLM director -- to make a final decision on whether to re-open some of the 77 leases;
» That the BLM, in consultation with the Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and state officials, chart a comprehensive air quality strategy for the region

Keep those comments coming!

Tell Deputy Hayes that this is a good first step, but there is comprehensive work to be done by the BLM to ensure long-term, permanent protection for lands near national parks and wilderness quality lands!

Write to him at: 

David Hayes, Assistant Secretary of Interior

Department of Interior

1849 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20240

or send an email to his assistant at:  
c/o:  barbara_diehl@ios.doi.gov

or call:

202-208-6291