fossil fuels Archives - San Juan Citizens Alliance

Oct 26 2024

The End of an Era: What’s Next for the Energy Transition in Northern New Mexico

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

On August 24, 2024 the 400-foot stacks at the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, New Mexico were demolished, bringing permanent closure to a facility notorious for being part of the largest single point source of pollution in the…

Sep 06 2024

Reaction to Demolition of Smokestacks at San Juan Generating Station

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

Advocates have been working for years to facilitate a transition to clean energy, ending coal’s polluting legacy and the region’s economic over-dependence on fossil fuels Overflight and drone footage of the site and demolition are available for media (see below)…

May 24 2022

PRESS RELEASE: Four Corners community groups fight to retain hard-won public benefits in merger case appeal

By sjca Oil & Gas, Press Release No Comments

Today, four northwest New Mexico community groups, along with the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE), joined an appeal to the state’s Supreme Court challenging the rejection of a merger between PNM Resources and Avangrid, a global leader in renewable…

Apr 12 2021

Creating Jobs & Reducing Pollution by Reclaiming Orphaned Wells

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

The Orphaned Well Cleanup and Jobs Act of 2021 is being heard right now in the New Mexico State Legislature. The Act would plug and reclaim orphaned wells, helping to create jobs and reduce pollution in New Mexico. This blog…

Nov 10 2020

Breaking: $127 Million in Just Transition Funds for Navajo Nation

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News, Renewable Energy No Comments

Breaking: As coal plants across the Four Corners region shut down, Arizona Public Service will provide a minimum of $127 million to the Navajo Nation over the next 10 years, plus major commitments to buy power from Navajo clean energy…

Nov 06 2020

Colorado Emissions Roadmap a Chance for Cleaner Power

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

Jul 29 2020

BREAKING: New Mexico PRC embraces 100% renewable future for Four Corners

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News One Comment

Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission unanimously decided to replace San Juan Generating Station power with 100 percent renewable energy when the coal-fired power plant is retired in 2022. This decision marks an extraordinary turning point in the energy…

Jun 23 2020

Carbon Capture is an Elusive Dream

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition No Comments

Our region took a major step toward a cleaner energy future recently when New Mexico regulators gave Public Service Co. of New Mexico approval to retire the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station outside Farmington in two years. But alas, it’s…

May 28 2020

Conservation Groups Seek to Join Defense of Colorado Air Quality Protections

By sjca In the News, Oil & Gas No Comments

Last December, Colorado required oil and gas companies to significantly reduce their emissions- a crucial step needed to improve public health and put the state on track towards its carbon reduction goals. Even though the public strongly supports the new…

May 28 2020

Gearing up for Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Colorado

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last winter, Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted unanimously to adopt new emissions rules for the oil and gas industry. Now, the AQCC is working with the Energy Office to implement the greenhouse gas reduction goals in House Bill…

Apr 29 2020

PRC Delay of San Juan Coal Plant’s Replacement Decision is Unfortunate and Risky

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News No Comments

Photo: EcoFlight The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) delayed the approval of two solar and battery projects that would partially replace the electricity from San Juan Generating Station. These projects, which had record-breaking low prices, would have brought jobs…

Apr 27 2020

As Coal-Fire Power Plants Close, Our Skies are Clearing

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

One of the noticeable, and remarkable, changes in recent years has been the dramatic improvement in visibility and air pollution in the Four Corners. Longer-term residents routinely comment on the increased clarity and the sharper vistas of distant ranges like…

Apr 15 2020

Enchant’s Carbon Capture Scheme Heads Back to the Drawing Board

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

If you are having troubles following the San Juan Generating Station carbon capture project being proposed by the City of Farmington and Enchant Energy, you are not alone. In fact, Enchant Energy itself seems to be having a hard time…

Apr 10 2020

Carbon Capture Costs Us More than the Millions in Taxpayer Dollars

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy One Comment

Our local elected officials have been chasing Enchant Energy’s promises of a resuscitated coal industry for roughly a year and a half now. This has cost the City over a million dollars in attorney fees, but the implications of this…

Apr 01 2020

San Juan Generating Station cleared for abandonment by PRC

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

Today the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) approved the abandonment of San Juan Generating Station, a ruling long in the works after months of painful legal back-and-forth. This decision paves the way for Public Service Company of New Mexico…

Mar 20 2020

LPEA Drives Statewide Policy Change

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

The transformation in Colorado’s energy landscape over the past year is nothing short of breathtaking. A good part of that transformation owes to the leadership of La Plata Electric Association. Who might have imagined a year ago that LPEA would…

Jan 24 2020

Tri-State Reveals New Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

Jan 06 2020

PRC Public Input Hearing – SJGS

By sjca No Comments

The NM Public Regulation Commission (PRC) will be holding a public input session in order to give residents of San Juan County an opportunity to share their opinions regarding the abandonment of San Juan Generating Station. PRC Chairperson Theresa Becenti-Aguilar will…

Dec 23 2019

Advocacy Groups Celebrate Key Step Towards Climate Goals and Cleaner Air

By sjca Energy Transition, In the News, Oil & Gas No Comments

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted unanimously on new methane protections on the oil and gas industry that prioritize public health and the environment. These new regulations will cut methane emissions, improve air quality, and help Colorado meet…

Dec 12 2019

Chaco & Carlsbad BLM lease sale protest

By sjca No Comments

Communities living near oil and gas wells already suffer the effects of poor air quality due to venting and flaring of toxic are emissions, increased rates of cancer and asthma, and unsafe traveling conditions - now the Bureau of Land Management…

Nov 17 2019

Colorado plans to create new methane rules

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

In 2014, our region gained notoriety as the nation’s methane hotspot. Researchers at NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noticed via satellite measurements a plume of methane over the Four Corners that dwarfed anywhere else in the country.…

Oct 31 2019

House Passes Chaco Protection Bill

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Is it everything we hope for? No, but it is undoubtedly a significant step forward. We'll continue to use all the tools we have to fight for permanent protections in the region. Check out the full press release below with…

Aug 30 2019

We’re Asking the Courts to Weigh in on Application of the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico recently passed a landmark energy transition bill known as the Energy Transition Act (ETA). The bill was groundbreaking not just for setting an aggressive renewable portfolio standard, but also for creating funding to ensure a just transition for…

Aug 20 2019

A New Era for Colorado Oil and Gas

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

This April, SB 19-181 passed through the Colorado Legislature and was signed into law, fundamentally altering the landscape of Colorado oil and gas operations. The bill reforms oil and gas law and charges the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission…

Jul 23 2019

It’s time for robust methane regulations in New Mexico

By sjca Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

In New Mexico, oil and gas operations release more than 1 million metric tons of methane every year into the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, this has the same short-term impacts as 22 coal-fired power plants or 28…

Jul 20 2019

Energy dominance comes to Colorado

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Species No Comments

Conservation advocates routinely harp on the single-minded focus of the Trump administration exhorting resource exploitation on our public lands. In case that just sounds like hyperbole, recent real-life examples help illustrate the reality of the Department of Interior’s energy dominance…

Jul 17 2019

The False Hope of Carbon Capture

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

For months the City of Farmington has been scheming with a small two-person outfit to keep San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) open past the 2022 closure date agreed upon by all other owners. Their plan is to install expensive Carbon…

Jul 16 2019

Farmington Methane Regulation Public Meeting

By sjca No Comments

Public Meeting on NM Methane Regulations July 29th, 1-5 pm San Juan Community College, IT building -Room 7103 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87402 Make your voice heard to help enact much needed methane regulation in New Mexico! The…

Jul 11 2019

Groups Challenge BLM’s Response to Chaco Court Ruling

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Wildearth Guardians Even a court ruling doesn't seem to deter the Bureau of Land Management in Farmington. They are determined to push through industry wish lists, undermining environmental review, public input, and even the courts. We'll continue calling them…

Jun 16 2019

Our energy supply system is transforming

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

In just a few weeks, Public Service Co. of New Mexico will initiate the process to officially retire the San Juan Generating Station, the 1,600-megawatt, coal-fired behemoth outside Farmington that once burned coal day and night to generate electricity. It’s…

May 30 2019

Bernhardt’s Promise to Protect Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Rob Zeigler It's certainly promising, if not surprising, that Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is making promises to protect Greater Chaco. We're grateful to Senator Heinrich for playing a key role in orchestrating Bernhardt's visit to Chaco Cultural…

May 17 2019

In Wake of Court Ruling, Coalition Calls for Moratorium on Fracking in Greater Chaco Region

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Robert Zeigler Earlier this month a federal appeals court granted Greater Chaco a a long-overdue reprieve from unchecked fracking in response to a lawsuit we filed with our partners. The courts decision directly overturned a couple dozen permits, but we…

May 07 2019

Greater Chaco Region Wins Reprieve From Fracking

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 3 Comments

This is great news! Momentum in our decade-long effort to protect Greater Chaco from unbridled (and illegal) oil and gas development is finally resulting in real gains. Back in 2015, along with our partners, we filed a lawsuit against the…

May 01 2019

Signing NM Land Office Chaco Executive Order

Greater Chaco: Applause for New State Land Office Planning Process

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Real progress is being made toward protecting Greater Chaco! Last month a Congressional visit welcomed lawmakers to the region to learn about the impacts of oil and gas development and the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act was re-introduced. At the…

Apr 21 2019

New Mexico moves to protect Chaco Canyon from drilling

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas No Comments

Anyone who has traveled the U.S. Highway 550 corridor to Albuquerque recently knows for themselves the extent of greatly expanded drilling activity. Advances in fracking technology have unlocked access to oil deposits tightly trapped in the Mancos and Gallup shale…

Apr 18 2019

Greater Chaco Coalition responds to Congressional Visit on Oil and Gas Impacts

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

We were thrilled to welcome members of Congress to Chaco to experience the incredible landscape, learn about the history, and hear from impacted community members firsthand. We are confident they now have a deeper understanding of the issues here and…

Apr 09 2019

Groups Applaud Strengthened Bill to Protect Greater Chaco Landscape

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

More than 92% of Greater Chaco has already been leased. Over the last several years, this leasing has moved forward despite the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) not having a plan in place to protect modern native communities, their history,…

Mar 28 2019

New Mexicans Protest New Fracking in Greater Chaco and Greater Carlsbad

By sjca Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

“This lease sale is just another example of the BLM putting the cart before the horse. We’ve been waiting for years for the BLM to complete its Resource Management Plans for the Greater Chaco. But the agency continues to allow…

Mar 19 2019

Colorado Bill Aims to Modernize Regulation of Oil and Gas

By Mark Pearson Oil & Gas One Comment

Colorado is finally trying to revamp the regulation of oil and gas development for the 21st century. And it's long overdue. For decades, Colorado's official charge to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was to "foster" oil and…

Mar 13 2019

New Mexico Passes Historic Clean Energy Bill!

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico just passed one of the most progressive energy transition bills in the country! The Energy Transition Act (ETA), which just passed the house and now heads to the Governor's desk, paves the way for a just transition to…

Mar 12 2019

Senator’s filibuster over Energy Transition Act a stunt

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Renewable Energy No Comments

I watched the nearly four-hour filibuster from Senator Bill Sharer on the Energy Transition Act from my home in Farmington on Wednesday. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 32-9, with strong bipartisan support. This stunt by Senator Sharer actually provides a window…

Mar 04 2019

Opinion: Back the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

San Juan Citizens Alliance is actively working to move New Mexico forward to a sustainable energy economy. We believe an important step towards this desired future, especially for us in Northwestern New Mexico, is the passage of Senate Bill 489,…

Feb 20 2019

Stephanie Richards Garcia speaking at NM Public Lands Rally

Federal, State, Tribal Leaders and Allies Call for Protection From Fracking

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

It is completely indefensible to continue to lease parcels in Greater Chaco to oil and gas without having a plan in place to ensure protections for air, water, public health, and the rich history embedded in the landscape. TheBureau of…

Feb 12 2019

Take Action: Speak Out Against Lease Sale in Greater Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 36 Comments

It's time to speak out in defense of Greater Chaco again. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington and Rio Puerco field offices in northwestern New Mexico continue to allow oil and gas companies to frack without a plan in…

Feb 07 2019

Clean Energy Bill Introduced to Reduce Electricity Costs, and Provide Economic Relief to San Juan County Workers

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

Woot woot! A new Governor in New Mexico along with a host of bold, progressive, new State House representatives, looking to the future and creating opportunities. We're hopeful we can make big strides in clean energy, a just transition for…

Feb 01 2019

Keep moving Four Corners forward with renewable energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy One Comment

After almost 6 years spent outside of Farmington and San Juan County, it is great to be back in the community I grew up in and will always call home. It is refreshing to experience the kindness I remember being…

Jan 22 2019

LPEA Sets Carbon Reduction Goal

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy 2 Comments

Jan 08 2019

NM Oil Conservation Commission to Rehear Double Drilling Rule Change

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Victory! Excellent decision today putting the public back into decisions about our public lands! The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission took all of 5 minutes to grant a re-hearing on the rule allowing for double drilling in Rio Arriba and…

Dec 05 2018

Greater Chaco Advocates Rally at BLM to Protest Lease Sale

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: WildEarth Guardians We've been working to protect the Greater Chaco region from rampant and largely uncontrolled drilling for over ten years. Sadly, the need for protections is only increasing. Our partners organized a rally of over 200 people to…

Sep 17 2018

You did it! LPEA board launches investigation of energy supply options

By sjca LPEA Spotlight No Comments

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA)* Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

Aug 23 2018

Governments, Groups Demand Public Hearings on New Mexico Oil and Gas Sale Call on BLM for Greater Transparency and Accountability for Fracking Greater Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Rob Zeigler Last spring, Secretary Zinke instructed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to defer a lease sale in the Greater Chaco region due to a need for "more study." This December, they plan to auction those same parcels…

Jul 03 2018

Colorado County and Conservation Groups Sue Trump Administration Again Over Southwest Colorado Oil and Gas Leases

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2018 Colorado County and Conservation Groups Sue Trump Administration Again Over Southwest Colorado Oil and Gas Leases San Miguel County, Rocky Mountain Wild, the San Juan Citizens’ Alliance, and Conservation Colorado filed another lawsuit against…

Jun 11 2018

After pressure, New Mexico oil and gas company withdraws attempt to avoid regulations, public input

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

In mid-May, we were approached by long time rancher, environmental advocate, and San Juan Citizens Alliance member, Don Schreiber, who discovered that Hilcorp Energy Company was trying to get exemptions from laws that restrict the number of wells they can…

May 23 2018

A new year at LPEA

By sjca Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy No Comments

Apr 30 2018

Public Defends BLM Methane Rule, Again

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

The road for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane waste rule has been long and winding, and unfortunately we’re not at the end. Last week, however, we threw a big wrench in Secretary Zinke’s never-ending attempts to rollback this…

Apr 27 2018

Did you get your LPEA ballot?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

Around 800 ballots were not delivered on time. If you didn't receive yours (or if you threw it away), call LPEA immediately. LPEA: (970) 247-5786 Did you vote yet?! If you buy electricity from LPEA, your ballot should have arrived in…

Mar 02 2018

BREAKING: Zinke cancels Chaco lease sale!

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last night, we heard news we didn’t dare hope for: Secretary Zinke canceled next week’s oil and gas lease sale in Greater Chaco. This is because of you. You and thousands of others who spoke up and said drilling without a…

Feb 28 2018

The questions between the statements

By sjca LPEA Spotlight 2 Comments

Feb 27 2018

SJCA Community Meeting: Farmington’s Future

By sjca No Comments

We'll meet at one of our gracious member's homes in Farmington, NM. RSVP For location to mike@sanjuancitizens.org, (505) 360.8994 --------- In addition to pursuing our work on natural resources, recreation and health, we've launched a campaign on energy transition in…

Feb 15 2018

LPEA to vote on future of long-term energy supply review

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 7 Comments

Jan 29 2018

LPEA Long-Term Strategy Subcommittee

By sjca No Comments

The La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) long-term strategy subcommittee is meeting for the first time to discuss a possible mission and strategy. The whole LPEA Board will later vote on the review's continuation. The meeting is open to the public.

Jan 26 2018

Why does LPEA need a long-term strategy review?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy One Comment

Dec 19 2017

Groups challenge new rule nullifying compliance obligations under BLM methane rule

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This fall, over 175,000 people commented against a proposed delay of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) methane rule, a rule that is particularly important for those of us under the Four Corners Methane Hotspot and suffer the royalty losses,…

Dec 15 2017

If (how) LPEA can measure the health impacts of coal

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 6 Comments

Dec 11 2017

BLM, can you hear us?

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proved their determination to elevate the interests of the oil and gas industry above those of the people they’re charged to protect – twice. But we can’t give up now. GREATER CHACO…

Nov 21 2017

What do renewable energy advocates actually want?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight 6 Comments

Oct 05 2017

BLM Methane Rule is Under Attack

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

This administration is committed to rolling back environmental and public health protections for the benefit of corporate profits. And they have perseverence. First they tried to erase the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) methane waste rule entirely using the Congressional…

Aug 21 2017

Power struggle with Tri-State won’t end soon

By Mark Pearson Coal No Comments

A few weeks ago, we sent forth our champion with bated breath and hopeful expectations to plead our case before Tri-State, to please allow us to generate more electricity locally here at home in La Plata Electric Association’s service area.…

Jul 24 2017

What happens if San Juan Generating Station Closes?

By sjca Coal No Comments

The San Juan Generating Station and San Juan Mine coal complex (SJGS/SJM) is New Mexico’s single largest polluter. While the facilities provide electricity to 500,000 customers, and employ several hundred of our community members, they do so at a great…

Jun 15 2017

BLM, EPA Put Industry Interests Above Four Corners’ Residents

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This week, despite recognizing the disproportionate impact it will have on our children, the Bureau of Land Management and Environmental Protection Agency both postponed the implementation of their methane regulations so they can revisit and rewrite them. Delaying and…

Mar 17 2017

Pollution Knows No Borders: Keep the BLM Methane Rule

By sjca Oil & Gas 2 Comments

Tell Senator Gardner to Support the BLM Methane Rule! CALL NOW: (202) 224-5941 Guest Blogger: Lauri Costello, MD Earlier this year, the House of Representatives voted to roll back the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) methane rule, which was finalized…

Mar 01 2017

Navajo President with All Pueblo Council of Govenors

Navajo Nation, Pueblo Council Join Forces to Protect Greater Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas 3 Comments

PHOTO: President Russell Begaye stands with Governors from the All Pueblo Council of Governors. Photo from Navajo Nation Press Release. Last Thursday, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez met with the All Pueblo Council of Governors. The…

Feb 22 2017

BIG WIN for San Juan National Forest!

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

In these trying times for environmental advocates, good news deserves emphatic celebration. And boy, do we have good news! As we previously told you, the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) has been facing the threat of a new era of…

Feb 10 2017

BLM is lying to us. #DontFrackChaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This is our last chance to submit scoping comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plan for oil and gas leasing in Greater Chaco. The BLM is telling us they don’t have a choice, that they have to lease: This is…

Feb 03 2017

The Plight of Solar in Farmington

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change One Comment

By Mike Eisenfeld, Energy & Climate Programs Director Last week, I attended the full, four-hour Farmington, NM City Council meeting. The Farmington Electric Utility System (FEUS) and their consultant, NewGen, presented to the Council. The City hired NewGen for 200,000…

Feb 03 2017

Rollback of Methane Rule Puts Industry Interests Above Climate, Public Health, Taxpayers

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

Today, the U.S.House of Representatives put the special interests of big oil and gas companies ahead of the public interest by voting to roll back the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rule. The measure now heads to the Senate.…

Jan 26 2017

BLM ignored us. What now? #ProtectChaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last Tuesday, indigenous leaders, affected residents, and State Representative Derrik Lente met with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director Amy Lueders to request she cancel the January 2017 Chaco oil and gas lease sale. Over 150 people rallied…

Jan 19 2017

#DontFrackChaco Rally on 1/17!

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

On Tuesday, four Navajo Nation chapter presidents, impacted community members, and one NM State Representative met with State Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Amy Lueders. The group requested a cancellation of the January 2017 oil and gas lease sale…

Dec 20 2016

The Piñon Pipeline is dead! How did it happen?

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

Chaco just got a huge break. Friday afternoon, Saddle Butte San Juan Midstream LLC ("Saddle Butte”) withdrew their proposal for the Piñon Gathering System Project, better know as the Piñon Pipeline, in northwest New Mexico. The 150-mile pipeline would have carried 50,000 barrels per…

Dec 08 2016

We filed a protest against the leasing of 1,000 acres near Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This is getting ridiculous. This week, with many partners, we submitted our protest to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office’s January 2017 oil and gas lease sale - a lease sale that shouldn’t be happening in the first place.…

Dec 05 2016

UPDATE: BLM Methane Rule Challenged

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

In 2014 we (the San Juan Basin) became the national methane hotspot. Last month we had a huge win in curbing the hotspot with the passing of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s methane standards... and they're already under attack. But before…

Dec 02 2016

Public Health and Environmental Groups Move to Defend Standards to Reduce Waste of Natural Gas on Public Lands

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Today we filed a motion to intervene in the case recently brought against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rule. The rule would protect the climate, public health, and our economy. It would also help address the Four Corners methane hotspot.…

Nov 15 2016

Obama Administration finalizes rule that will protect public health in the Four Corners

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Today, the Obama Administration released the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) methane rule, aimed at curbing natural gas waste on public and tribal lands. It's a win-win regulation. The standard will help to end the waste of valuable public resources,…

Nov 09 2016

We need your voice to protect Greater Chaco.

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

What changed? Right now, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office (FFO) is amending its 2003 Resource Management Plan (RMP) to include new industrial fracking in Greater Chaco. The process recently reopened for official public comment until December…

Oct 27 2016

Court allows continued intensive, unstudied fracking in Greater Chaco Northwest New Mexico oil drilling will continue despite risks to communities, cultural resources and environment

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office has agreed that their 2003 Resource Management Plan (RMP) does not sufficiently plan for fracking around Chaco Canyon. Yet, while they amend their RMP to reflect this awareness, they are still approving…

Oct 27 2016

An SJCA Field Tour: Seeing Oil and Gas Up Close

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

It's easy to overlook what's happening in oil and gas fields. Most of us don't live at ground zero and the pollution is often invisible to the human eye. So, last weekend SJCA bussed folks from Durango, CO 45-miles south to Bloomfield, NM. We examined…

Oct 25 2016

Oil and gas is devastating our health and public lands.

By sjca Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

Area threatened by existing oil and gas development (yellow) on top of public lands (blue) in Northwest New Mexico. See oilandgasthreatmap.com for interactive map. You can’t drive through Northwest New Mexico and Southwest Colorado and miss our region’s oil…

Sep 15 2016

You can help build momentum for clean power alternatives

By sjca Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

As the father of a 3-year-old boy, I’ve become an expert on the topic of momentum. You see, my little guy has yet to cross paths with a hill he doesn’t want to race down. Grassy, rocky, dirt, paved –…

Sep 09 2016

Inspector General Finds Former BLM Director Violated Ethical Conduct, Federal Laws

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

This week we received evidence of a local public servant sacrificing the public interest for personal gain. Federal investigators released results of their inquiry into Steve Henke’s conduct while head of New Mexico’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field…

Aug 18 2016

Oil, gas industry can’t counter NASA study on methane hot spot

By sjca Climate Change, Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas No Comments

The oil and gas industry is awfully, dangerously, predictable. This week, in response to NASA fingering oil and gas operations as the primary cause of the infamous Four Corners methane hot spot, industry shills did what industry shills do: distort…

Aug 17 2016

Four Corner’s Methane “Super-Emitters” on Camera

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This week NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory released a report on the sources of our Four Corners methane hotspot. The study confirmed that the energy industry, specifically natural gas extraction, is as a primary cause. Methane waste on federal lands has serious…

Aug 15 2016

NASA Releases Report On Threatening New Mexico Methane Hotspot

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

Today NASA published a report that confirms the energy industry, primarily the natural gas extraction industry, is responsible for the Four Corners methane hotspot. The Four Corners methane hotspot is yet another environmental climate and public health disaster served to our…

May 19 2016

Now is the time to transform our energy economy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

As the world transforms in response to technological innovation and evolving political preferences, chaos claws at order, building the future with every rip and tear. It’s a painful thing, this process. Inevitable, yes, but still painful. In April, San Juan…

Apr 20 2016

NEW VIDEO: Time’s Up For Coal at the Four Corners Power Plant

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

The Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) and Navajo Mine complex is a massive source of pollution. It can’t be permitted to operate until 2041. Learn More. Amid last year’s crumbling coal economy, and despite promises to address climate change, the Obama Administration approved a…

Mar 15 2016

LETTER: Suggestions for Reforming the Federal Coal Program

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

"This path must be paved with common sense policy changes that address our near-term climate challenges, aid coal-dependent communities to help them emerge from transition more sustainable and prosperous, defend taxpayers and the broader American interest, and protect our legacy of public lands." In…

Feb 09 2015

I’m asking you to challenge your beliefs

By sjca Climate Change, Durango Herald Column No Comments

A few weeks back I was called a bomb-thrower for the content I share in this column. Though this is far from the worst thing I’ve been called in print, it did get me thinking. Is what I write really that…

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