We've been working on this for a long time:
UDALL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION
TO PROTECT NEW MEXICO'S VALLE VIDAL
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., today introduced legislation to permanently shield the 100,000-acre Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest from mineral extraction.
"The Valle Vidal is national treasure that is now threatened," Udall said. "Drilling in the Valle Vidal is not a long-term, responsible energy strategy - we cannot drill our way out of our current energy problems. After visiting the area on many occasions and hearing from thousands of Americans, I have reached the inescapable conclusion that the Valle Vidal should be protected in perpetuity from development. There is a place for oil and gas drilling. The Valle Vidal, however, is not one of them."
Udall's measure amends the Forest Service management plan for the Valle Vidal and bars mineral extraction. Importantly, the measure does not change the area's status and will ensure that the current recreational uses of the Valle Vidal will continue.
Straddling the Colfax-Taos county line, the Valle Vidal harbors one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in the state. It is home to 60 species of mammals, 33 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 15 species of fish.
Thirty years ago, the Pennzoil Co. purchased nearly 500,000 acres of the land, which was being used as a hunting park. Pennzoil maintained the area as such until 1982, when it donated a 100,000-acre parcel of it to the federal government - at the time, the largest donation in Forest Service history. During its ownership, Pennzoil never opened the area for oil and gas drilling.
Fred Galley, a retired Forest Service planner who helped negotiate the transfer in 1982, said Udall's legislation is a common sense solution. "The Valle Vidal is one of the most pristine areas in the Southwest. From watershed to wildlife, any exploration of energy development there would be devastating to the area. When I helped broker the transfer of the land from Pennzoil to the Forest Service, I never imagined that it would be opened up for drilling. I hope Representative Udall's legislation will become law."
"What an ironic travesty it would be for the government to now turn its back on this precious gift and allow the area to be blighted. Recent economic studies demonstration that the protection of special public lands like the Valle Vidal is good for local economies and that, in fact, exploitation of these places for a few hours of energy can hurt long-term economic growth and sustainability. I hope to work with other members of the congressional delegation, the Richardson administration, and all who want to preserve the Valle Vidal," Udall concluded.
The legislation will be referred to Udall's House Committee on Resources. He serves as the top Democrat on the Forests and Forest Health Subcommittee, which will have jurisdiction over the bill.
For more information visit:
http://www.vallevidal.org