The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department supports responsible oil and gas exploration and drilling, the department believes that the fragile Chihuahuan Desert portions of Sierra and Otero counties should be protected from drilling. On this page are links to documents and press releases that illustrate the State's concerns.

Governor Bill Richardson Reacts to Federal Court Victory on Otero Mesa (April 28, 2009)

Decision

Secretary Prukop Asks BLM for New Environmental Impact Statement on Otero Mesa/Asking BLM to Withdraw Its “Environmental Assessment/Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact” (October 24, 2008)

Request for Administrative Review with Oral Presentation by New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Regarding Bennett Ranch Unit #6, EA #NM-030-2006-161, Environmental Assessment/Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact  (October 24, 2008)

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D

Exhibit E

Exhibit F

Exhibit G

     Governor's Otero Mesa Appeal to the BLM
     Governor's Otero Mesa Appeal, press release
     Governor's Consistency Review (PDF format)
     Governor's Otero Mesa Plan, Press Release (PDF format)
     Governor's Otero Mesa Plan, Executive Summary (PDF format)
     Prukop Blasts BLM Otero Mesa Protest Release (PDF format)
     Otero Mesa Protest (PDF format)