[Coalition_for_valle_vidal] New ACTION to Save the Valle Vidal

[Jim O'Donnell]

Tell Senator Domenici and Representative Wilson to Support
Permanent Protection for the Valle Vidal

The fight for the Valle Vidal is far from over. This fall, 
Representative Tom Udall and Senator Jeff Bingaman introduced 
legislation in the U.S. Congress to permanently protect the Valle Vidal 
(House Bill 3817 and Senate Bill 1734).  Representative Heather Wilson 
has also voiced her opinion to the Forest Service that coalbed methane 
development is too invasive to be compatible with the Valle Vidal.  
These are huge steps forward in our campaign to protect the Valle 
Vidal.  But the fight is far from over.  These bills will not move 
forward without additional help from Representatives Heather Wilson, 
Steve Pearce and the support of Senator Pete Domenici.  Please write 
and ask that they cosponsor the Valle Vidal legislation.

What to Do:

Send your comments to Reps. Wilson, Pearce and Sen. Domenici urging 
them to co-sponsor or introduce their own Valle Vidal permanent 
protection legislation.  Addresses below.

Talking points:


•	New Mexicans have spoken and our elected officials need to listen to 
us:  No amount of oil or gas development is acceptable in the Valle 
Vidal. This treasured hunting, fishing recreational and agricultural 
area is too unique to simply minimize the damage that gas development 
entails.
•	The Valle Vidal is an economic generator for our communities.  Every 
year, over 50,000 people spend $3-5 million dollars in our communities 
when visiting the Valle Vidal.  We must protect that sustainable 
resource,
•	There is very little gas in the Valle Vidal.  In fact, there is so 
little natural gas in the Valle Vidal that it represents roughly 
one-half to 2-1/2 day's supply of current USA natural gas demand (less 
than 1% of all gas from the Raton Basin) and would trickle slowly into 
supply lines over a period of 15 to 20 years.
•	The question of gas resources is settled.  The time to act is now. 
There will be no further studies on resources.  We do not need to waste 
more tax-payer’s money for the Forest Service to tell us that most New 
Mexicans are against drilling this treasure,
•	Include your personal stories from the Valle Vidal and what you value 
most in the Valle Vidal.

* Also, please be sure to thank Sen. Bingaman and
Rep. Udall for standing up for the Valle Vidal!! *

Send Your Letters To:

Senator Pete Domenici
328 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-6621, 202-228-3261 fax

Representative Heather Wilson
Republican / 1st District
20 First Plaza NW, Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-346-6781, 505-346-6723 fax

Representative Steve Pearce
Republican / 2nd District
1408 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-2365

Senator Jeff Bingaman
703 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5521, 202-224-2852 fax

Representative Tom Udall
Democrat / 3rd District
1414 Longworth Bldg
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-6190, 202-226-1331 fax

If possible, please cc the Coalition a copy of your letter.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim O'Donnell
Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal
www.vallevidal.org
PO Box 238
Taos, NM 87571
505-758-3874

Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal?  Would you like 
to support our efforts?  Join or contribute today at: 
http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html