Statement: 28 Western State and Local Elected Officials Support Biden Administration’s Oil and Gas Leasing Pause, Urge Reform

This week, 28 state and local elected officials -- representing thousands of constituents across the southwestern United States -- sent a letter to the Interior Department and Secretary Deb Haaland in support of their pause and review of the federal oil and gas leasing program. The letter, organized by Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), comes as the first opportunity for public feedback to the administration closes and the Department prepares its report on the future of the leasing program. Western voters, particularly Latinos, overwhelmingly want oil and gas development on federal public lands to be stopped or strictly limited, not expanded.

The letter also outlines key policy reforms that would lead towards better stewardship of public lands.

The oil and gas industry has increasingly influenced the way public lands are managed, with leasing decisions often excluding input from impacted communities, as well as public values that include outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, drinking water sources, and environmental justice considerations. Additionally, public lands are often burdened with speculative leases that generate little revenue and limit opportunities to enhance hunting, fishing, and other recreation opportunities. Review of the oil and gas program is long overdue as it has been wasteful and inefficient for far too long.

 “Hispanic communities have long advocated for federal land management policies to reflect their values and vision for the future because we all rely on healthy waterways, clean air, and robust wildlife habitats,” said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “A thorough review of the federal leasing system is the first step to making sure that our communities are better served and that our public lands are more accessible and help strengthen our connections to nature.” 

“For decades, the oil and gas leasing program has prioritized development, severing moments for our community to connect with our public lands,” said HECHO National Advisory Board Member and former San Miguel County Commissioner, Rock Ulibarri. “The pause is an opportunity to work towards a more inclusive land management process, ensuring that all stakeholders and voices are a part of conversations to protect our public lands.”