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The Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act
 Protect water and private property from irresponsible oil and gas development

Representative Mark Udall (D-CO) re-introduced the Western Waters and Farm Lands Protection Act, H.R. 1180, on Feb. 16, 2007 to balance oil and gas development with protections for landowners and western water resources. Senator John Tester (D-MT) introduced the Senate version of the bill, S. 1931, the Surface Owners Protection Act, on August 1, 2007.

H.R. 1180 and S. 1931 would would

  • Safeguard precious water resources during the course of oil and gas development
  • Reduce potential conflicts between the development of federally-owned oil and gas and the interests of those who own the surface
  • Provide for appropriate reclamation of affected lands

Three members testified before the House Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing April 26, 2007

            Testimony by Peggy Utesch, Western Colorado Congress & WORC
            Testimony by Steve Adami, Powder River Basin Resource Council
            Testimony by Roger Muggli, Northern Plains Resource Council

Background

WORC Fact Sheet: Coalbed Methane Development: Boon or Bane for Rural Residents?

WORC Fact Sheet: Energy Impacts to Landowners

White paper by Jack Stanford, University of Montana : Coalbed Methane in Montana: Problems and Solutions

Information on Hydraulic Fracturing

Information on Bonding

WORC’s 2005 Report, Filling The Gaps: How to Improve Oil and Gas Reclamation and Reduce Taxpayer Liability

WORC supports the Western Energy Agenda to protect water, farmers and ranchers, wildlife, and special places from the impacts