Need more evidence that this administration sees no hallowed ground when it comes to drilling for oil and natural gas? Then consider the following story about the National Park Service's decision to allow companies to drill for fossil fuels beneath Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas.
It seems that between 1999 and 2004 the Park Service approved 19 wells to be drilled from locations outside Big Thicket into the earth beneath the preserve's surface. The agency envisions extending another 29 wells in the next two decades.
Making this possible, you see, is that while the Park Service owns the surface rights, it does not own the mineral rights. And it's estimated that those mineral rights contain 1.21 million barrels of oil and more than 70 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
To make a long story short, environmentalists took the park to court over the drilling, saying Big Thicket officials didn't properly follow the National Environmental Policy Act when determining whether it should lease the drilling rights to those energy resources.
While U.S. District Judge John Bates ruled that the park did indeed follow NEPA guidelines in considering the lease requests, he also determined that the preserve's decision that the drilling activities "would not result in
impairment of park resources and values ... or a significant impact on
the human environment ... are not supported ..."
As a result, Judge Bates directed the Park Service to conduct more environmental studies. You can find the details of this story here.
Judge Says NPS Dropped the Ball on Drilling Beneath Big Thicket
Published Date
October 28, 2006
Support National Parks Traveler
National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.
EIN: 26-2378789
Support Essential Coverage of Essential PlacesA copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.
Support Our Mission
Help support us– the one source for journalism dedicated to our National Parks.
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Add comment