Following the Sept. 21 Montezuma County commissioners’ meeting, I was boggled by their defiant and disrespectful reactions to Connie Clementson’s master leasing plan presentation (requested by them). There was also some name-calling toward the Great Old Broads for Wilderness, an environmental organization, including one directed at a local citizen in attendance. In a classroom, this attempt at public humiliation would be considered bullying. The commissioners’ anger toward more government control is misguided ,since an MLP is actually a tool granting local participation in the planning process. I find it ironic that our commissioners, supporters of the American Lands Council (with our tax money), are refusing to allow our community local input in this process. They think only they – government officials – have the right to decide for our county. Their fear that further regulation will discourage exploration and production is unfounded. In fact, we are considered to be sitting atop one of the largest shale oil plays, assuring that our resources are very desirable.
Furthermore, as Clementson explained, an MLP sets clear standards so that a company knows what’s expected from the beginning. The cost to industry could actually be lower in the long-run, as lengthy lawsuits are common and expensive. And because members of the whole community work together to create these standards, all groups have a voice. Had the commissioners done their homework when they got the news in March, they could have shown up with open minds, intelligent questions and the willingness to understand how an MLP works to benefit an entire community.
Betty Ann Kolner
Dolores