Carlsbad Current Argus

January 24th, 2004

Editor:

Occasionally, I read a letter to the editor so intriguing that it requires response since the letter does not go far enough.

Gavin Longmuir’s commentary is just such a writing. His statements about environmentalism are accurate and his statements about energy are true.

However, his analysis for opening the Otero Mesa is not fully reasoned out. Otero Mesa petroleum, even if found in much larger quantities than estimated, will definitely not replace imported oil. Funds to open and develop the mesa should be used to further development of renewable energy sources.

The technology of wind energy and photoelectric (solar) cells has progressed to the point that unit costs are close to energy produced by coal and petrochemicals. Geothermal energy extraction is very competitive with current and better known sources. Nuclear energy plants in other countries have proven to be safe and cost effective using designs created by U.S. designers more than 30 years ago.

Much energy produced from petrochemicals can be produced from sources substantially less polluting. Petrochemicals could be more efficiently used for plastics, lubrication and other products and uses and still eliminate all dependency on foreign oil.

The final statements made by Mr. Longmuir that problems with forests were aggravated by well-intentioned interest groups interfering with corrective action is true. His statements that development of essential energy supplies are also being adversely affected by special interest groups is also true, but I believe he is looking in the wrong direction. Does his industry have a real interest in developing alternate energy sources which would compete with their interests?

Lyle Barron
Carlsbad
via e-mail


Otero Mesa needs to be protected

Editor:

As a resident of the Carlsbad area and someone who has spent time at Otero Mesa, I strongly believe that Otero Mesa must be protected as a national conservation area. In addition, the oil and gas companies that plan to drill there will certainly affect the precious ground water, which has been estimated by Sandia National Labs to be enough drinkable water for 800,000 people annually. The Bureau of Land Management does not have any manpower to enforce true regulations on the oil and gas industry.

Moreover, the concept of environmentally sound oil and gas development is just simply not true, as was stated by Dr. Walter G. Whitford, professor emeritus, New Mexico State University.

Otero Mesa is the largest and the wildest stretch of Chihuahuan Desert grassland left in America. This area is also home to more than 1,000 of the native wildlife species in that area. Otero Mesa should be protected as a national conservation area, so that all can see the numerous historical and cultural sites that are there. Abundant wildlife can be experienced for generations to come. This area is also the home of several ranchers, some of whom have lived and worked off the land for up to five generations. A large legacy would be lost if oil and gas companies drill in Otero Mesa. I strongly urge you do to all that you can to save Otero Mesa as a national conservation area.

I thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter.

Brenda Wiedenmann
Carlsbad
via e-mail