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Otero Mesa Moratorium
On Thursday, April 19th, a coalition of ranchers, hunters, conservationists and water experts hosted the Otero Mesa Public Forum in Alamogordo. This event in large part was organized by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NMWA).
Almost 200 people from Alamogordo and surrounding communities attended the event to hear about Otero Mesa's fresh water aquifer, the area's wildlife and how oil and gas drilling could impact this special place. The purpose of the event was to bring the community together and demonstrate that southern New Mexican's care about their quality of life, and that a few days worth of oil and gas will NOT take precedence over water, wildlife, and wilderness.
At one point during the forum, moderator, Rick Simpson (a hunter) asked the audience "who supported a moratorium on drilling in Otero Mesa" so that a thorough study of the Salt Basin aquifer could occur. Everyone in the room expect for one person raised their hand!
It is because of your letters, calls and pressure to our elected officials that we are gaining real traction in our efforts to protect Otero Mesa. Many thanks! This past week was a real watershed moment in the campaign. Now we must begin to aggressively pressure Senator Domenici and Congressman Pearce. Senator Domenici’s staff has indicated that the Senator may be willing to support a moratorium on Otero Mesa. Please help us to make this a reality- the time is NOW! Please call and fax your letters and comments today.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Otero Mesa Moratorium
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I strongly urge you to stand up for New Mexican values by joining Senator Bingaman on calling for a moratorium on drilling in America's wildest grassland, Otero Mesa, so that the USGS, Sandia National Labs and NM Interstate Stream Commission can complete a thorough study of the Salt Basin aquifer.
Otero Mesa is a vital area, home to mule deer, pronghorn, aplomado falcons, black-tailed prairie dogs, burrowing owls and other wildlife. It has a rich history, including being home to Native Americans who left petroglyphs on the volcanic rocks and providing a stop along the Butterfield Overland Express stage line. Otero Mesa is the best remaining Chihuahuan grassland in New Mexico and wonderful, wild area. Also, as Governor Richardson pointed out in his State of the State address, Otero Mesa harbors potentially hundreds of millions of gallons of water, enough to provide a sustainable fresh water supply for communities in southern New Mexico
In October 2006, Judge Bruce Black issued a ruling in the lawsuits brought by the Governor of New Mexico and conservation and sportsmen's organizations. While recognizing the unique values of Otero Mesa and the inadequacies of BLM's existing NEPA analysis, the judge allowed the BLM to proceed with new leasing on Otero Mesa if it completes additional site specific environmental analysis. BLM is currently developing its plans for leasing on Otero Mesa and, from all indications, is not heeding the court's admonition for thorough consideration of the likely damage to these fragile grasslands.
A new Open File Report produced by USGS and Sandia National Laboratories entitled Knowledge and Understanding of the Hydrogeology of the Salt Basin in South-Central New Mexico and Future Study Needs, confirms that there is significant water in the Salt Basin and that is at potential risk of contamination. The report recommends a number of "next steps to minimize negative impacts associated with, while maximizing positive benefits from, future ground-water withdrawal"
Among the recommendations of the Open File Report is that U.S. Geological Survey, Sandia National Laboratories and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission conduct a comprehensive study of the Salt Basin aquifers. It is anticipated that this study will take up to 3 years.
Leasing and development of Otero Mesa threaten the many values of this area, including the water resource now being studied in the basin. I urge you to join Senator Bingaman in seeking a 3-year moratorium on oil and gas leasing and development for Otero Mesa while the comprehensive water study is being conducted.
Sincerely,
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