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Santa Fe– July 19, 2007 – Santa Fe County officials are in the process of revisiting and possibly rewriting the ordinance that would affect any oil or natural gas drilling on County land. The current ordinance applies generally to oil and gas but was specifically written for hard rock mining. There are 14 wells that were “grandfathered” in under an older ordinance, only one of which is in use today. Before permission would be given to allow for the unplugging of the existing wells and/or drilling of new ones, there is a strong possibility that the existing ordinance would have to be changed or rewritten. The process for approving any new ordinance includes at least two public hearings.

“We are entrusted with these precious resources - the land, water and the plant and animal life that inhabit Santa Fe County” said County Land Use Administrator Jack Kolkmeyer “We are committed to being good stewards of that trust.” While County officials are skeptical about the viability of any petroleum-based operation in Santa Fe County, they are open to collaborating with the State Oil Conservation Division, the oil & gas industry, environmental groups and the local community on these issues.

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