Interior official criticizes governor’s Otero proposal

The Associated Press

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s suggestions for managing oil and gas development on Otero Mesa are unfeasible and would block drilling on the land, an Interior Department official said.

“It’s a no drill plan,” Rebecca Watson, assistant secretary for lands and minerals management, said April 1. Richardson and several environmental groups criticized a plan released by the Bureau of Land Management for the land in southern New Mexico.

Richardson’s submitted a consistency review to the BLM saying the federal agency’s plan goes against several state policies, proposing a more restrictive plan that allows some access to gas reserves.

Watson said Richardson’s proposal would require directional drilling to access about 333,000 acres, which wouldn’t work.

“It’s not feasible,” she said.

Watson said Otero Mesa is part of a larger issue: “This is a nationwide battle.”

“Environmental groups have turned it into a horse race or election. You’re asking for information. You’re not asking for a vote up or down,” Watson said of the review and public comment process.

Watson said many who have spoken out against drilling on Otero Mesa are part of organized campaigns.

“These are voices that are being simplified through fund-raising,” she said.