The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. .Bureau of Indian Affairs are being told of growing concerns about a land management plan for northwestern New Mexico, a plan that involves oil and gas development.
The two agencies held virtual meetings to answer questions about the Farmington Field Office’s Resource Management Plan.
Some of the people who participated in the Aug. 28 session expressed concern that the virtual meetings limited the ability for people who live in the area near Chaco Culture National Historical Park to have their questions answered.
The BLM previously had a series of virtual meetings in May before the deadline was extended to Sept. 25.
The resource management plan amendment looks at land use, specifically oil and gas development, in the field office’s jurisdiction, including land near Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Shortly after the two agencies released the draft environmental impact statement for public comment, the COVID-19 pandemic ended in-person meetings.
“We’re trying to find new ways to continue operating and right now that’s virtually,” said BLM public affairs specialist Jillian Aragon.
Four members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation — Sen. Martin Heinrich, Sen. Tom Udall, Rep. Deb Haaland and Rep. Ben Ray Luján — sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on Aug. 26 asking that the process be delayed until the pandemic has passed.
Rebecca Sobel, climate and energy campaigner for Wild Earth Guardians, said the majority of comments that the BLM received during the scoping meetings prior to releasing the draft amendment opposed increased drilling. The draft plan would allow for more drilling closer to Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Source: Farmington Daily Times
