4 of 10 on San Miguel County oil task force have industry ties; critic says it is unbalanced
By APTuesday, June 1, 2010
Critic: San Miguel Co. oil task force unbalanced
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Four of 10 members of San Miguel County’s new oil and gas regulation task force have ties to the industry, raising concerns from some who believe the panel is unbalanced.
The County Commission formed the panel in April to help draw up a new drilling ordinance. Both the county and the city of Las Vegas have drilling moratoriums in place until they can enact new regulations.
The county divided the members into four groups — oil and gas industry, environmental and educational, citizens, and county representatives.
Two members work in the oil industry. One citizen member owns oil and gas leases. An environmental member earns money from oil and gas royalties.
Pat Leahan of the Las Vegas Peace and Justice Center says it is important to have industry representation. But she says the panel lacks community and scientific input.
Planning and zoning supervisor Alex Tafoya said he expected the county to get criticism no matter the task force’s membership.
“The County Commission tried to make the best choices it could,” he said. “We’ll see how it works out. The task force is a group of people putting an ordinance together. It’s not like we’re creating a new nuclear bomb.”
Information from: Las Vegas Optic, www.lasvegasoptic.com
