BLM's Plan for Otero Mesa

From Few Protections to Virtually NONE

DECREASED PROTECTION FROM DRAFT RMPA/EIS

Overall increase in lands open to leasing with Standard Lease Terms and Conditions ( SLTC ) and no other stipulations. (Standard Lease Terms and Conditions designate areas open to leasing with no specific management decisions.)

  Draft: Approximately 779,000 acres of the Otero Mesa area open to SLTC

  Final: Approximately 1.4 million acres of the Otero Mesa area open to SLTC

Difference: Approximately a 621,000-acre increase of lands open to standard drilling practices with no other stipulations.

Overall decrease in lands open to leasing with No Surface Occupancy ( NSO ). (No Surface Occupancy designates a leasing constraint that prohibits occupancy or disturbance on all or part of the lease surface to protect special values or use.)

  Draft: 160,435 acres of the Otero Mesa area closed to NSO

  Final: 40,526 acres of the Otero Mesa area closed to NSO

Difference: A 119,909-acre decrease of lands protected from surface disturbance.

Specific Protections Removed:

  Draft: Stipulation for controlled surface use

   Final: Open to standard leasing practices with no specific management decisions

   Result: A drastic decrease in protections

   Draft: No Surface Occupancy

   Final: Stipulation for controlled surface use

   Result: A drastic decrease in protection and increase of lands open to drilling

  Draft: Stipulation for controlled surface use

  Final: Open to standard leasing practices with no specific management decisions

   Result: A drastic decrease in protection and increase of lands open to drilling