Agreement to allow new oil and gas production.

• Author: Pace, Abigail
• Position: Around Utah

Gov. Gary R. Herbert praised an agreement approved by the BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT between the BILL BARRETT CORPORATION, the SOUTHERN UTAH WILDERNESS ALLIANCE, CARBON COUNTY and the STATE OF UTAH. The agreement was negotiated in part by the Governor's Council on Balanced Resources.

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The unprecedented agreement between industry and environmentalists will allow for new oil and gas production in Carbon, Duchesne and Uintah counties through the West Tavaputs Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan.

"The proposed wilderness in the Desolation Canyon region is one of the state's most remarkable natural treasures. This agreement between SUWA, the Bill Barrett Corporation and others provides meaningful protection for this important place, while allowing the company to develop substantial natural gas," says Steve Bloch, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance attorney and Energy Program director. "This is an excellent example of the win-win model that Governor Herbert and Interior Secretary Ken...