Skip the banner
Congressman John T. Salazar -- Defending Rural Values -- Third District of Colorado
 
For immediate release: February 21, 2008
 
 
Contact: (202) 225-4761
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Rick Palacio, Deputy Communications Director
 
 

REP. SALAZAR ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION
OF “NORTHERN SAN JUAN BASIN
STAKEHOLDERS’ GROUP”

 
 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. John T. Salazar announced the formation of the “Northern San Juan Basin Stakeholders Group” which will provide the general public opportunity to be involved in the ongoing discussion related to energy development in the Northern San Juan Basin.
After touring the HD Mountains with local landowners and regional representatives in 2006, Rep. Salazar asked the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to consider setting up working groups to analyze issues related to drilling in the Northern San Juan Basin with a focus on issues related to the Fruitland Outcrop formation
“I am pleased that the Forest Service and BLM in this region have been so responsive to the concerns I expressed on behalf of my constituents,” Rep. Salazar said. 
Formation of a Technical Working Group (to monitor impacts of energy development in the Northern San Juan Basin on an ongoing basis) was included in the Record of Decision for the Northern San Juan Basin Coal bed Methane Project. In addition to this Technical Working Group, Rep. Salazar asked the USFS and BLM to set up a Stakeholders Working Group to allow citizens and local governments to be involved in the ongoing monitoring and direction of energy projects.  After consulting with other stakeholders including Archuleta and La Plata counties, the San Juan Citizens Alliance, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the La Plata Energy Council, the BLM and Forest Service have agreed to set up the new working group.
“I encourage anyone who is interested in energy issues to participate in this group so that the public’s voice can be heard in the process,” added Salazar.  “The issues surrounding oil and gas drilling can be contentious. I believe the best way forward is to bring all the stakeholders to the table to have their input and concerns heard by the federal land agencies.”
The Stakeholders Working Group will allow counties, industry, tribes, local governments, local citizens groups and state and federal agencies to monitor how energy development in the San Juan Basin is impacting communities, and will allow for informal public involvement in an ‘adaptive management’ approach.  The group will interface with the Technical Working Group in the monitoring of energy development in the Northern San Juan Basin, with special emphasis in the area of the Fruitland Outcrop.
Stakeholders Working Group Open House
Wed., March 5, 2008, 4 – 8 p.m.
San Juan Public Lands Center
Open House format from 4-7 p.m.
Meeting of Stakeholders at 7 p.m. to determine next steps for the working group.
“The willingness of the San Juan Public Lands center to create this new group shows an impressive dedication to public involvement and input in the management of our public lands and energy resources,” Rep. Salazar concluded.
Open House Format:  Each entity (listed below) will host an information table. At the front door will be a signup sheet for people interested in serving on the Stakeholders Working Group.  Also available will be a one-page welcome and overview sheet.
Informational tables will be hosted by:
• La Plata County
• Archuleta County
• San Juan Public Lands Center
• COGCC
• La Plata Energy Council
• San Juan Citizens Alliance
 
 

###


Home | Press Room