Utah Student Saves Southern Utah Canyonlands From Oil & Gas Leases

By Taz Alago, New West Unfiltered 12-21-08

Registering with the BLM as representing himself, he successfully bid against all comers at the auction, winning leases on more than ten parcels around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as driving up bids on other parcels. A total of 116 parcels (including DeChristopher's) of 131 offered were taken up by bidders.

Oil and gas interests were not pleased at this coup. It shows that the expensive and unethical lobbying by oil and gas interests can be resisted by simple and direct actions, although having bid $1.8 million, DeChristopher has incurred some personal liability and could be prosecuted by the Feds. But as he said, “There comes a time to take a stand.” The beauty of this is that it was completely non-violent, no signs, no speeches, no police confrontations. Really marvelous!

Get the whole story at http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11274601 [End of article]

Comment By Adilla!, 12-22-08

I agree with what Tim did. Having been involved with the oil and gas exploration myself, I've witnessed the irreversible damage to the lands that this does. All the while it will not bring down the cost of petrol products locally, but will pollute our land, water, and air. A measly $7.5million was gained by the BLM, including Tim's bids.

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