New Water Study Out on Otero Mesa
NM Delegation Needs to be Contacted

The Coalition for Otero Mesa recently made a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with our congressional delegation on the important issue of protecting Otero Mesa from oil and gas drilling. Our meetings went well but it remains clear that our representatives need to hear from YOU on the importance of saving America's largest and wildest grassland from oil and gas development.


With the recent release of a preliminary study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) of the Salt Basin aquifer underlining Otero Mesa, there is considerable evidence that this freshwater resource is very susceptible to contamination (Read the full report here: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1358/)


One of the reports main themes is that the Salt Basin must be studied more thoroughly, BEFORE any oil and gas drilling is allowed to move forward.

Senator Bingaman

(202) 224-5521

Senator Domenici

(202) 224-6621

Congresswoman Wilson

(202) 225-6316

Congressman Udall

(202) 225-6190

Congressman Pearce

(202) 225-2365


The Coalition for Otero Mesa, led by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, is asking our delegation to support a three year moratorium on drilling in Otero Mesa until the full Salt Basin study can be completed. This time frame is the estimated amount of time it would take for the USGS to conduct a thorough survey of the aquifers.

All of New Mexico's delegation needs to hear that we want a three year moratorium on drilling in Otero Mesa so that the USGS can conduct its water study. However, Senator Bingaman and Congresswoman Wilson could play key roles in this situation, thus we are asking all of you to be sure to contact them first.

Additionally, the delegation has told us that they will come to a decision on whether or not to support a moratorium within the next few weeks.


If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nathan Newcomer ( nathan@nmwild.org , 505-843-8696) for more information.