Local gas drilling opponents expressed support Friday for draft legislation from U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet that, if enacted, would withdraw unleased acreage in Thompson Divide from future leasing programs.
As written, the legislation would not affect valid existing leases, including those in the proposed Lake Ridge Unit area.
But it would eliminate the potential for future leasing on 183,000 acres of federal lands, in an area known as the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Area, according to the draft posted on Bennet’s website.
An officer of SG Interests, a company with gas leases in Thompson Divide and main proponent of the Lake Ridge Unit request, said he does not believe the bill will make it through Congress.
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