Park Service Warned BLM Lease Sale Could Harm National Monument in Utah

"The Bureau of Land Management disregarded a request by the National Park Service that it hold off leasing 17,000 acres of public land in Utah on Tuesday because of concerns that drilling there could harm Hovenweep National Monument’s views and air, groundwater and sound quality.

All 13 parcels were sold online as part of a broader sale, with the lease prices ranging from $3 to roughly $91 an acre.

According to an Oct. 23 letter, the Park Service outlined concerns about future oil and gas drilling activities on not just Hovenweep, but also three other sites under its jurisdiction in southern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Natural Bridges National Monument."

Juliet Eilperin reports for the Washington Post March 20, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"Drillers Snap Up Federal Leases Near Utah's Wilderness Monuments" (Reuters)

"BLM Holds Lease Sale Despite Enviro, Park Service Concerns" (Greenwire)