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Otero Mesa

Case Number # 2833

Otero Mesa is a desert grassland in New Mexico that provides habitat for several federally protected species. Conservationists and the State of New Mexico want to protect the most sensitive areas, while the Bush administration wanted to throw it all open to oil and gas development.

On April 28, 2009, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision invalidating the Bush administration drilling plan for Otero Mesa.

Wild Earth Guardians
National Wildlife Federation
Natural Resources Defense Council
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
New Mexico Wildlife Federation
Sierra Club
Southwest Environmental Center

Press Releases

Otero Mesa Saved From Oil and Gas Drilling
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wildlife-rich expanse of grassland unique
Sportsmen and Conservation Groups Act to Save Otero Mesa From Giveaway to Big Industry
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Federal Government Must Listen to Local Interests, Groups Say
Conservationists Ask for Public Access to Otero Mesa Development Documents
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Government says oil and gas industries are welcome to look at documents but public isn't
BLM Plans to Ignore Lion's Share of Public Comments on Otero Mesa
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
UPDATE: BLM reverses decision, will now accept electronic comments
Bush Administration Refuses to Release Otero Mesa Development Documents
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Environmentalists sue to gain public documents on plan to open wild grassland to oil and gas development
Conservationists Appeal to Feds to Protect Otero Mesa from Reckless Drilling
Monday, February 9, 2004
BLM seeks to roll back environmental protections; Oil and gas interests eye delicate desert ecosystem for development
Earthjustice Sues BLM over Illegal Meetings with Industry Representatives in New Mexico
Friday, January 2, 2004
Federal law requires public participation in advisory committees