Wilderness Spokespersons Available for Interviews on BLM Oil and Gas Report

1/16/2003

From: Pete Morton, Resource Economist, 303-650-5818 (Denver)

News Advisory:

WHAT: The Bureau of Land Management is releasing their EPCA studies today.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1999 (EPCA) requires the BLM to examine access to gas reserves on public land in the west. The EPCA studies will provide the basis for BLM and National Forest Service management plans with respect to oil and gas development in five major Rocky Mountain basins covering millions of acres of the public estate.

The Wilderness Society is concerned that the BLM will rely on technically recoverable resources rather than economically recoverable resources as recommended by the Congressional Research Service as the basis for public policy.

WHO: CONTACT TODAY: Pete Morton, Resource Economist, Denver, 303-650-5818

CONTACT FRIDAY: Pete Morton, Denver, 303-650-5818 Dave Alberswerth, 202-429-2695 Dave Slater, 202-429-8441

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society works to protect America's wilderness and to develop a nationwide network of wild lands through public education, scientific analysis, and advocacy. Its goal is to ensure that future generations enjoy the clean air and water, beauty, wildlife, and opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal provided by the nation's pristine forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains. For more information about recoverable oil and gas in the Rocky Mountain region visit our web site at http://www.wilderness.org.