I have drilled in the Book Cliffs back when they were trying to shut down drilling along the White River. They were also trying to close the dirt roads, the local government and Utes, just ran their road graders and reopen the roads.
Posted on 02/04/2009 12:18:06 PM PST by freespirited
A Bush administration decision that sparked hot controversy in Utah has been turned topsy-turvy by the Obama Administration.
New Interior Secretary Ken Salazar this afternoon canceled 77 oil and gas leases in Utah. In a news release, he said oil and gas supplies need to be developed responsibly to help reduce dependence on foreign oil, but it must be done in a thoughtful, balanced way that protects signature landscapes and cultural resources.
The 77 parcels, which are the subject of a temporary restraining order, were part of a Dec. 19, 2008 lease sale offering 130 parcels in three areas in northeastern Utah. The parcels total about 130,225 acres and are in the vicinity of two national parks and Dinosaur National Monument.
Salazar said, "We will take a fresh look at these 77 parcels and at the adequacy of the environmental review and analysis that led to their being offered for oil and gas development. I am also concerned that there was inadequate consultation with other agencies, including the National Park Service."
Environmental groups and actor Robert Redford have been fighting the lease auction that was announced on Election Day. They believe some of the land in question is too close to national parks and monuments.
Of the 130 parcels offered, bids were received on 116 parcels, totaling 148,598 acres.
Separately, an investigation is ongoing into an environmental activist who infiltrated the lease auction. Tim DeChristopher, a college economics student, bid up prices at the auction and ended up winning 13 parcels in an effort, he says, to protect wild lands in Utah.
The U.S. Attorney for the Utah District, Brett L. Tolman, issued a statement saying today's action by the Interior Department does not impact the investigation into DeChristopher. He said, "As we do with every case referred to our office, we will continue to carefully review the facts in this case and, if appropriate, present it to a grand jury."
Dope and mange strikes again.
Translation: "When monkeys fly out Obama's butt."
ROTFL!
I'm dyin' here!
You did know that Wednesday is NOT opposites day, didn't you? ;-)
"Stupid is as Obama does"
My mama was smart...
Translation: $4/gallon gas, coming back to a service station near you.
And hey, guess what. Just like the massive increase in the cigarette tax today, it’ll be “women, minorities, and the poor hardest hit.” As always. And yet they still keep voting for these maggots.
}:-)4
The Saudis send obama their thanks.
Pray for America, Our Troops and obama’s guidance
Obama is not really willing to create jobs, is he?
Watch his actions, not his words....
Now we can continue to give $billions to crazed Muslims in the Middle East for their oil so we can keep our environment pristine for snail darters.
This is a great way to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Sure.....
In Obama's universe, up is down and sideways is straight ahead.
BREAKING NEWS:
Obama administration says it will cancel 77 drilling leases near Utah parks
MSNBC.COM | 2/4/2009 | MSNBC News Services
Posted on 02/04/2009 12:09:33 PM PST by Smogger
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2178379/posts
I have drilled in the Book Cliffs back when they were trying to shut down drilling along the White River. They were also trying to close the dirt roads, the local government and Utes, just ran their road graders and reopen the roads.
Wonder if they revoked Tim Dechristopher’s 13 leases??? You KNOW he didn’t pay a dime for them.
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