BLM withdraws oil, gas leases

Federal officials said Thursday that dozens of oil and gas leases in Montana will be withdrawn from auction and pledged to look more closely at the environmental consequences of such development, particularly near the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

The announcement followed vocal opposition from conservation groups and state officials who claimed the federal government’s pro-energy policies threaten wildlife populations.

“It’s a huge step if they’re willing to do things differently,” said T.O. Smith, energy coordinator for the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks.

A petroleum industry representative, Dave Galt, warned that the BLM’s action could “complicate development of resources in the Rocky Mountain West.”

At issue are the effects of increased drilling under the Bush administration on public lands stretching from Montana to New Mexico. In deferring the lease sales on 73,000 acres Thursday, the Bureau of Land Management pledged to consider whether additional industry restrictions are needed in light of emerging wildlife research from the University of Wyoming and the University of Montana.

Billings Gazette