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KSJD Newscast - March 4th, 2016

  • Public comments received so far regarding the idea of a Master Leasing Plan in Southwest Colorado have overwhelmingly supported it.

Public comments received so far regarding the idea of a Master Leasing Plan in Southwest Colorado have overwhelmingly supported it. If it moves forward, the MLP would allow the Bureau of Land Management to do a more in-depth review of energy leasing in eastern Montezuma and western La Plata counties. A sub-group of the BLM’s Southwest Resource Advisory Council is studying the MLP idea. A review of comments made during its meetings or submitted to the BLM shows more than 60 from different individuals or groups that either specifically support the MLP or voice objections to oil and gas leasing. Only about four comments opposed the MLP outright. More public meetings are scheduled March 16th in Cortez and Hesperus. Ultimately the sub-group will make a recommendation on whether an MLP is needed to the Southwest Resource Advisory Council, which will decide whether to put forth a resolution to the BLM. The Montezuma County commissioners oppose the MLP, saying the BLM’s existing Resource Management Plan for the entire area is adequate. In response to concerns about possible energy development around the Phil’s World bicycle trails east of Cortez, the commissioners have proposed adopting so-called “1041” rules they believe will give them more powers to regulate that area.
 

Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.