Utah Drilling Leases Revoked to Save Precious Landscapes
After the Bush administration sold oil and gas leases near some of the nation's most majestic sights, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reversed the decision; Utah's petrolium industry is displeased with the reversal.
According to the Deseret News, in December of 2008 the Bush administration sold 116 parcels of federal land for oil and gas drilling in Utah's Red Rock Country, one of the nation's most scenic landscapes. Environmentalists quickly filed a complaint, upon which Interior Secretary Ken Salazar directed the Bureau of Land Management to return payments for 77 parcels of land; approximately 100,000 acres. The pending payments for the 77 parcels equals approximately $6 million, which the government would have collected. Future oil and gas royalties were also at stake in the transaction.
The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States claims the land was sold with sufficient research and can't understand why the new administration would do anything to limit Utah's economic growth, as that is against Obama's energy goals. Other petroleum representatives agree, saying the decision will have "chilling effects" on Utah's economy.
Oil & Gas Royalties
If you are in a dispute involving unpaid oil and gas royalties you should contact an experienced oil and gas attorney to discuss your options. The attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP have the experience and expertise to help you collect the royalties you may be entitled to.
If you have been deprived of your rightful oil and gas royalties, contact an oil and gas attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.
