Just in from Viva Rio Arriba:
In a unanimous vote the Rio Arriba Board of County Commissioners extended the expiring drilling moratorium for an additional 180 days. The extension will continue to apply countywide. John Zent, speaking for ConocoPhillips, several residents of the Lindrith area plead before the Commission to limit the moratorium to the Rio Chama watershed area. Stephanie Reed speaking on behalf of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association echoed support for a division of the County into an eastern and western area to differentiate between the watershed (east) and developed (west) areas.
However, Gabriel Boyle, representing the County Planning and Zoning department reccomended to the Commission that the moratorium extension not be amended and apply to all "...surface over which the County has jurisdiction, including the developed areas." Attorney's Adan Trujillo and Frank Herdman summarized the progress to date on drafting the governing ordinance for oil and gas, and each recommended that the process go forward in a deliberate manner so as to allow time for careful consideration of all elements, including cultural issues. Mr. Boyle also emphasized the importance of the planned workshops for public and industry output, "...as a critical part of the process."
Commissioner Felipe Martinez discussed the length to which the Commissioners had worked and wrestled with the considerations of individuals affected, such as the Lindrith contracting concerns, and the overall responsibility to insure public water source safety and environmental impact. "Yes, the Rio Chama is a critical watershed, and perhaps parts of the County should just not ever be drilled. But, really, the entire County is a watershed. We must consider that as we move forward.
Both Commission Chairman Alfredo Montoya and County Manager Lorenzo Valdez expressed optimism that industry and government could work together and used the recent County Fair and 4-H Livestock sale in which the energy contributors have begun supporting the youth. "In 2006, we had only minimum participation from the oil and gas community, about $2,700. Last year, in response to a County outreach project, industry greatly increased their participation, to $26,000 and this year, another big increase to a total of over $37,000," said Montoya. Manager Valdez added that in addition to the huge increase, two of the energy contributors, Devon Energy and M&R Trucking were donating three steers back to community service organizations. "El Mirador for the handicapped; Esperanza for domestic violence; Hoy Recovery for substance abuse, all very important and deserving programs for the community. It's just an example of how we can work together for mutual benefit," said Valdez.
However, Gabriel Boyle, representing the County Planning and Zoning department reccomended to the Commission that the moratorium extension not be amended and apply to all "...surface over which the County has jurisdiction, including the developed areas." Attorney's Adan Trujillo and Frank Herdman summarized the progress to date on drafting the governing ordinance for oil and gas, and each recommended that the process go forward in a deliberate manner so as to allow time for careful consideration of all elements, including cultural issues. Mr. Boyle also emphasized the importance of the planned workshops for public and industry output, "...as a critical part of the process."
Commissioner Felipe Martinez discussed the length to which the Commissioners had worked and wrestled with the considerations of individuals affected, such as the Lindrith contracting concerns, and the overall responsibility to insure public water source safety and environmental impact. "Yes, the Rio Chama is a critical watershed, and perhaps parts of the County should just not ever be drilled. But, really, the entire County is a watershed. We must consider that as we move forward.
Both Commission Chairman Alfredo Montoya and County Manager Lorenzo Valdez expressed optimism that industry and government could work together and used the recent County Fair and 4-H Livestock sale in which the energy contributors have begun supporting the youth. "In 2006, we had only minimum participation from the oil and gas community, about $2,700. Last year, in response to a County outreach project, industry greatly increased their participation, to $26,000 and this year, another big increase to a total of over $37,000," said Montoya. Manager Valdez added that in addition to the huge increase, two of the energy contributors, Devon Energy and M&R Trucking were donating three steers back to community service organizations. "El Mirador for the handicapped; Esperanza for domestic violence; Hoy Recovery for substance abuse, all very important and deserving programs for the community. It's just an example of how we can work together for mutual benefit," said Valdez.
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