On January 24, Governor Richardson issued an executive order
imposing a six month moratorium on drilling in Santa Fe county and the
Galisteo Basin. The moratorium is intended to allow state agencies more
time to assess the impacts of oil and gas drilling in the basin.
Statement of Environment New Mexico Associate Randall Coleman:
“Governor
Richardson should be applauded for putting a hold on oil and gas
drilling in Santa Fe County. The Galisteo Basin is a culturally rich
and ecologically sensitive ecosystem. Drilling in the Galisteo Basin
could cause irreparable harm to wildlife and culturally significant
archeological sites while posing a serious risk to the Galisteo
aquifer. Ultimately, the Galisteo Basin should be permanently protected
from destructive drilling and mining practices.”
The following is Governor Richardson’s press statement:
SANTA
FE - Governor Richardson today issued an Executive Order imposing a
six-month moratorium on new oil and gas drilling in Santa Fe County and
the Galisteo Basin. The moratorium will allow more time for government
agencies to gather information and formulate public policy to protect
water aquifers, archeological and cultural resources, and wildlife in
this ecologically fragile area.
“Places like the Galisteo Basin
must be fully evaluated and understood before any new oil and gas
drilling moves forward,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “Ground water,
archeological, cultural and wildlife areas must be protected.”
The
Oil Conservation Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and
Natural Resources Department shall temporarily suspend the processing
and granting of applications for permits to drill for oil and gas in
Santa Fe County and the Galisteo Basin.
The New Mexico Energy,
Mineral and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Department of
Indian Affairs, the New Mexico Environment Department, the Office of
the State Engineer, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and other executive agencies
are instructed to conduct an assessment of all existing laws,
regulations, policies, and planning documents to ensure that no oil and
gas drilling activity occurs in Santa Fe County and the Galisteo Basin
that would be detrimental to the interests of the State of New Mexico
and its citizens.
“Careful examination of the Galisteo Basin is
warranted,” said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “More time to gather
information on this ecologically fragile and resource-rich area will
ensure proper protection of human health, the environment, and water.”
