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US: June 12, 2007
DENVER - A controversial plan to allow oil and gas drilling atop an environmentally sensitive plateau in western Colorado was approved by federal land managers on Friday, over the objections of Colorado's governor and at least two members of the state's congressional delegation.
The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will allow the drilling of wells on 73,602 acres, or about 70 percent, of the Roan Plateau, about 175 miles west of Denver.
Drilling could commence as soon as next year. While oil drilling will be allowed, the Roan Plateau is primarily a natural gas resource.
The remaining 30 percent of the federal land is considered too sensitive to allow development without further public comment, the BLM ruled.
The 3,000-foot flat-top mountain is believed to contain one of the largest natural gas fields in the continental United States.
But the area is also home to numerous wildlife species and a pristine watershed that environmental groups fear would be spoiled if it is developed.
The Roan Plateau holds enough natural gas to serve 4 million homes for 20 years, according to the Colorado Oil & Gas Association.
US Reps. John Salazar and Mark Udall, both Democrats, last month asked the BLM to impose a one-year moratorium on the plan to allow more study of the drilling's impact.
The BLM instead said it has already taken into consideration all environmental concerns. Only directional drilling, which minimizes the impact on the area by allowing more underground coverage with fewer ground-level wellheads, will be allowed. Also, sites must be reclaimed before a new plot is explored.
"(This is) an innovative approach to oil and gas development that protects fish and wildlife habitat, water resources and scenic views, while maximizing natural gas recovery," a BLM statement said.
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday asked the BLM to postpone its decision for 120 days "to ensure that the values shared by Colorado's citizens were reflected" in the plan.
On Friday he issued a statement criticizing the agency.
"Unfortunately, the BLM's rush to lease this special area could inhibit my ability to weigh in on this extremely important decision," Ritter said.
The BLM ruling said that all leases must be drilled by a single oil and gas operator.
Story by Keith Coffman
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
