Public comments on a proposal for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to put up for auction oil and gas leases near Zion National Park in Utah will be accepted for an additional month, through March 9, at the request of the National Park Service and other interested parties.
As a result of this extension, the BLM will consider offering the St. George parcels at the Sept. 14 oil and gas lease sale rather than the June sale as previously proposed.
There are three parcels, totaling 4,730 acres, nominated for leasing in Washington County. Two parcels are approximately two miles south and west of Zion National Park, the third is located approximately 5 miles west of the park. One of the parcels would straddle the Kolob Terrace Road north of Virgin that is used to reach the "roof" of the park.
The BLM is working with the National Park Service and other agencies and is soliciting public comments to ensure a careful environmental analysis is conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Additional information about the proposed parcels is included in the Environmental Assessment, which is available for public review and comment. Electronic copies of the EA can be found online at the project webpage. Hard copies of the EA can be obtained in person at the St. George Field Office, 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George.
The public review and comment period closes at 4:30 p.m. on March 9. Please note that the most useful comments are those that identify substantive issues relevant to the proposed action or contain new technical or scientific information. Comments that contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response, but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process.
Written comments should be mailed or emailed to:
Bureau of Land Management
St. George Field Office
345 East Riverside Drive
St. George, UT 84790
Attn: Dave Corry
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Comments
We already have an excess production capacity of oil and gas. Oil and gas are at historically low prices and stand to go lower as more US capacity comes online. Why risk drilling so close to a treasured National Park when the economic gain is decreasing and uncertain. I've been on BLM land in Virgin and enjoy is undisturbed, undeveloped beauty. I think it's best left that way. Thank you.
My comment is a very personal comment. I've spent many trips camping and hiking in Zion National Park. I met my husband there 30 years ago while hiking, and we got married later within the park's main campground. Its a beautiful area, both in the park and outside the park. I appreciate that there is now a shuttle system within the park, to improve access. Please don't damage the area by providing drilling leases, very very sad. What will this country look like in 30 years, for our grandchildren ? Thank you for taking input.
Barbara, is that a copy of a comment you sent to the BLM? If it's not a copy, you need to back up and send it to the address provided above in St. George. It won't do much good if this is the only place you sent it.