The article identifies the location as spanning Otero
and Sierra Counties -- which didn't sound right to me.
But, even if it's on the east side of 54, instead of the west, that doesn't change the "empty quarter" description, does it?
Didn't catch that. But it's on the Texas border, not up by the Trinity site. I've flown over it in a private plane (courtesy of an oil company, no less) and it is BARREN!