some leases for energy exploration canceled

[haven]

The Obama administration is canceling the lease of 77 parcels of federal land for oil and gas drilling. These were very close to, or directly adjacent to, several National Parks in Utah. The leases were rushed through in the final weeks of the Bush administration, and are subject to a lawsuit. The BLM was instructed to conduct a more thorough review of these parcels. Leases on an additional 39 parcels were permitted to proceed.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/04/us/AP-National-Parks-Drilling.html

 

[cruiseroutfit]

While I applaud the reconsideration of oil leases in or near National Parks, lets not give in to the "last minute Bush sneak" rhetoric. These gas/oil leases have been in the works and process for several years. The same rhetoric is being used to describe the recent RMP revisions that took place in 6 of Utah's BLM districts. Words like "rushed" and "last ditch" are being used to describe the RMP process that took over 6 years to complete. Nothing was rushed.

Regarding drilling in National Parks, is it really that bad? I'd rather it not be there, but at what cost? Consider Arches, Canyonlands, the San Rafael Swell amongst others all had drilling in the past, in fact many of the roads we enjoy today are remnants of prospecting and mining/drilling of the past. Kind've an ironic flavor too it. Canyonlands for instance has active drilling still taking place in the Island In the Sky district. No right answer.

 

[haven]

I use the term "rushed through" advisedly.

According to current Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the Bush administration had “rushed ahead to sell oil and gas leases at the doorstep of some of our greatest national icons, some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes” without proper scientific review or consultation.

 

[teotwaki]

I use the term "rushed through" advisedly.

According to current Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the Bush administration had “rushed ahead to sell oil and gas leases at the doorstep of some of our greatest national icons, some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes” without proper scientific review or consultation.

And of course dear Ken would not have any spin on what the previous administration had been doing (wink) :elkgrin:

Anyhow if you read a little further down you'll see that Ken did approve 39 leases.