June 22, 2016
For immediate release
GRAND JUNCTION – The Bureau of Land Management is taking significant steps to update the coal leasing program, and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation will travel to Grand Junction, Colorado to submit comments in support of updating these rules.
The current federal coal leasing program is woefully out of date, and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation supports updating these rules as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal production benefits wildlife and the environment which directly impacts the sportsmen and women of New Mexico. Many coal reserves lie under critical wildlife habitat which could significantly impact hunters and anglers if fragmented or destroyed.
“Hunters and anglers can no longer ignore the impacts our actions have on the entire environment,” said Conservation Director Todd Leahy. “Coal production is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions which leads to climate change. We are already seeing the negative effects of climate change on the landscape in New Mexico. In order to continue our outdoor way of life, we need to take action now.”
Wildlife doesn’t stop at state borders, and neither does our work protecting our hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions. We must consider what happens to these landscapes and watersheds after development has occurred. In the West, we know all too well the long-term impacts that unregulated mining and development can have on our landscapes, watersheds, and wildlife if mines aren’t properly situated, monitored, and reclaimed. Updating the coal leasing program will benefit New Mexican recreationalists and our environment for years to come.
Hearing Details:
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Friday, June 24th
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Two Rivers Convention Center’s Avalon Theatre
Grand Junction, CO 81501
