Over the past two years, the BLM has twice attempted to lease public lands in southwestern Colorado for oil and gas drilling.

On both occasions, community opposition and a lack of adequate planning tools forced BLM to defer leasing.

Autumn in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado

Now, with a new Resource Management Plan being finalized, we're concerned BLM will offer up these lands once again, despite the environmental concerns and community opposition.

Instead of simply accommodating the oil and gas industry, BLM needs to create a Master Leasing Plan (MLP) for the area. Unlike the current leasing system, MLPs give people a seat at the table as the land use decisions are made -- not after the fact.

TAKE ACTION: Tell the Colorado BLM to listen to the people and protect our air, water and lands by developing a Master Leasing Plan.

Instructions:

• Send/amend the sample letter to the right.  Personalized letters have a much greater impact.
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For more information:

• Earthworks: BLM Master Leasing Plan
• Earthworks: Proposed San Juan Master Leasing Plan
• BLM CO Master Leasing Plans
• BLM Instruction Memorandum and MLP guidance
• MLP report from the Western Values Project
• MLP report from the National Parks Conservation Association