Even though the comment period has long been closed for the proposed oil and gas lease sale of nearly 80,000 acres of lands in and around the San Rafael Swell, I still want to voice my opinion that these areas should not be leased.
The BLM currently has approximately 4 million acres of lands in Utah already leased for such development that have not been drilled. Opening up more lands in such remarkable areas, like Eagle Canyon and Lost Springs Wash, makes no sense whatsoever.
Please remove these areas from the November lease sale.
Why is this important?
The San Rafael Swell is one of Utah's most unique landscapes. It covers 2,000 square miles of narrow canyons, hoodoos, towering cliffs, and breathtaking views; it is truly an desert paradise and an outdoor lover's dream, visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Recently, the Bureau of Land Management announced its plans to lease 80,000 acres in and around the San Rafael Swell--including areas that have been proposed for wilderness designation. These leases will hit the auction block on November 19th.
Please sign this petition in support of protecting the San Rafael Swell from oil and gas development. Let the BLM know that these 80,000 parcels need to remain untouched.
