Assuming the Tres Rios RMP relied on adequate science and was complete in scope and process, the initiation of an MLP on top of a fresh RMP should be seen as nothing but redundant and superfluous federal government waste.

The reality of an MLP is that it will only result in additional restrictions on oil and gas. There is no scenario under which an MLP will result in additional acreage being made available for leasing and development, or where restrictions on oil and gas operations will be lessened. This one-way street is not conducive to balanced public input. The opposition industry understands it is playing with house money once forcing the initiation of an MLP; at worst the status quo is maintained, and at best, additional restrictions will be put in place to restrict federal mineral development.

If local control is to be respected as a concept in the relationship between federal and local governments, then the BLM should respect the position taken by the elected Montezuma County commissioners. But, of course, the opposition industry and most federal agencies only respect the idea of local control when the locals agree with them. Go ahead and conduct an unnecessary and redundant MLP in La Plata County, but allow federal mineral resources in Montezuma County to be developed in accordance with the existing and comprehensive Tres Rios RMP.

Eric Sanford

Durango