Would you support or oppose the Bureau of Land Management opening the Otero Mesa area to natural gas production?
Democratic Candidates
Ruben Smith: I oppose the BLM opening of Otero Mesa to natural gas production. I believe there are adequate fields available in non-public holdings in New Mexico.
John Arthur Smith: Yes, I support the opening of that area to natural gas production. It is imperative that the U.S. becomes energy independent.
Would you support or oppose the Bureau of Land Management opening the Otero Mesa area to natural gas production?
Republican Candidates
Phelps Anderson: (Part of) Otero Mesa is already open for natural gas production. Our public lands must remain open to energy, ranching, farming, hunting, tourism, and recreation. Public lands generate needed jobs and tax revenue to local governments and the state.
C. Earl Greer: The needed economic windfall to our district for the production of natural gas on Otero Mesa is massive and requires us to support this effort with our technology to protect our environment.
Leo Martinez: We must open that desolate area of the state to oil and gas production. We must begin to become self-sufficient in our quest for oil. Modern technology allows us to develop oil reserves in an environmentally sensitive way. We should look to our own nation to provide needed resources and live within our means.
Steve Pearce: I support opening the Otero Mesa to natural gas production. It would boost the economy in Otero, Lincoln and Dona Ana counties.
Ed Tinsley: Support. We need a domestic energy policy that encourages exploration to provide affordable energy sources and job growth in the area. This goes to the heart of our economy and the independence of America from Middle Eastern energy.
Published in the Albuquerque Journal 5-22-2002.