From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Wed Nov 8 15:00:45 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Wed Nov 8 16:50:10 2006 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] VALLE VIDAL - THE PUSH IS ON AGAIN!! Message-ID: <96a2a83ec889f7e5cd46cbe1cac499d3@vallevidal.org> PLEASE! IMMEDIATELY Call AND fax Senator Pete V. Domenici and urge him to do everything in his power to make sure the Valle Vidal Preservation Act (SB 1734) passes the Senate THIS YEAR. Call and fax AGAIN next week! We have about three weeks left to make this happen. Senator Pete Domenici (505) 988-6511 Phone (505) 988-6514 Fax Even if you have already made the call or written a letter, PLEASE DO SO AGAIN. YOUR CALL AND FAX WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! 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 From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Fri Nov 17 10:53:47 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Fri Nov 17 12:40:33 2006 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] VALLE VIDAL BILL CLEARS THE SENATE!!!! Message-ID: A day for celebration!? Tom Udall?s Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 cleared the U.S. Senate Floor late yesterday. Now its on the the President's desk. Below are two articles on our amazing victory. Congratulations to all of you! ? ? http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/52265.html# ? Santa Fe New Mexican ? Senate OKs Valle Vidal protection By ANDY LENDERMAN | The New Mexican November 17, 2006 Both New Mexico senators threw their weight behind protecting the Valle Vidal from oil and gas drilling Thursday, and it worked. The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 -- authored by U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M. -- cleared the Senate floor late Thursday night. U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., announced his decision earlier in the day to support Udall's measure, after months of intense political pressure from all over New Mexico. Hunters, anglers, Republicans, Democrats and environmentalists lobbied Domenici relentlessly to protect the national forest property, famous for its high mountain valleys, rambling forests and elk herds, from development. "We're very confident the president will sign it," Domenici spokesman Chris Gallegos said. "It moved very quickly. Everybody is pleasantly surprised." The measure received unanimous consent and was among a series of energy-related legislation that was passed Thursday night, he said. "Countless New Mexicans have worked tirelessly to ensure the permanent protection of this remarkable treasure for generations to come, and passage of this bill is a testament to their efforts," Udall said Thursday night. Domenici's move appears to be related to a separate bill, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. That bill would open large parts of the continental shelf to oil and gas development. "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying 'not in my backyard' in New Mexico," Domenici said. "However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act." The Valle Vidal is a 101,794-acre parcel of federal property located in the Carson National Forest. "I have been to the Valle Vidal. It is a magnificent and beautiful area, and I understand why adding new protection has such widespread support," Domenici said in a statement issued Thursday. The fact that Domenici made this move now is relevant because he won't be in the majority much longer. For now, he chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. But when Congress meets again next year, the chairmanship will go to U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., as a result of last week's election, which changed the majorities in the Senate and House. If The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 becomes law, it would be one of Udall's most noteworthy accomplishments since arriving to Congress in 1998. "This was truly an effort that rose from the ground up," Udall said in a statement. "Community members living near the Valle, sportspeople from around the country, and (Boy) Scouts who come every year to earn natural resources stewardship badges in the Valle Vidal all worked together to express their desire that this unique piece of land and its unparalleled wildlife populations be protected in perpetuity." Domenici is working to resolve differences between the House and the Senate on the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which would lead to as much as 5.8 trillion cubic feet of new natural gas produced from American waters. "We reached a point in the session that we now believe anything we do on Valle Vidal would not impact any of our other initiatives," Domenici spokesman Matt Letourneau said. Sportsman Ed Olona of Springer was lobbying for the move Thursday when he received the news of Domenici's support. "That is great news," Olona said. "That made my day." Olona also said that Domenici's support for the Valle Vidal will be noted in his legacy. Lobbying efforts in support of Udall's bill have been spearheaded by the Coalition for the Valle Vidal, which includes more than 400 nonprofits, businesses and local governments. "It will be a really wonderful Christmas present to New Mexico," coalition member Brian Shields said. Contact Andy Lenderman at 995-3827 or alenderman@sfnewmexican.com. ? Copyright 2006 Santa Fe New Mexican ------------------ http://www.abqjournal.com/north/513214north_news11-17-06.htm Albuquerque Journal Friday, November 17, 2006 Senate OKs Drilling Ban By John Arnold Journal Staff Writer ??? Legislation that would protect northern New Mexico's Valle Vidal from energy and mineral development has cleared the Senate and needs only President Bush's signature to become law, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., announced late Thursday. ??? "I am confident the President will sign this bill so that the Valle Vidal will continue to be a virtually unblemished piece of New Mexico for people to enjoy for generations to come," Domenici said in a news release. ??? The legislation, which would ban energy and mineral development, was sponsored by Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and cleared the House in July. ??? The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent, just hours after Domenici and Bingaman announced they would work to pass the bill in the final days of the congressional session. ??? Domenici, chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, had for months declined to take a position on the legislation or to move it forward. ??? On Thursday, Domenici said he had been hesitant to support the Valle Vidal protection bill while simultaneously pushing for energy production elsewhere. ??? "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying 'not in my backyard' in New Mexico," he said before Thursday's action. "However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act." ??? The federal government acquired the 101,000-acre Valle Vidal? known to supporters as "the Yellowstone of New Mexico"? from the Pennzoil Corp. in 1982. In 2002, El Paso Exploration and Production Co. asked the Forest Service to consider opening the eastern half of the Valle Vidal to coal-bed methane drilling. ??? The proposal drew strong opposition from thousands of New Mexicans who say the area is too ecologically valuable to be developed. The state's entire congressional delegation eventually agreed. ??? Bingaman, who sponsored similar legislation in the Senate, called Thursday's passage "terrific news." ??? "The Valle Vidal is a beautiful part of New Mexico that deserves to be protected," he said. ??? Valle Vidal supporters, who've been trying for months to win Domenici's support, said before Thursday's approval that it was just a matter of time before they prevailed. ??? "We've known all along that with the support this bill has in New Mexico, Sen. Domenici was going to come around sooner or later," said Jim O'Donnell, coordinator for the Coalition for the Valle Vidal. ??? Udall said earlier Thursday he was pleased the senators were trying to pass his bill, which will prevent energy companies from leasing the Valle Vidal in the future. ??? "This was truly an effort that rose from the ground up," he said. "Community members living near the Valle, sportspeople from around the country and (Boy) Scouts who come every year to earn their natural resources stewardship badges in the Valle Vidal all worked together to express their desire that this unique piece of land and its unparalleled wildlife populations be protected in perpetuity." ??? The Associated Press contributed to this report. ? 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 From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Wed Nov 22 13:24:53 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Wed Nov 22 16:29:51 2006 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Please Call and Thank Our Congressional Members for the Valle Vidal Bill Message-ID: <20e26251bc96ae5897c937719b6a901d@vallevidal.org> Valle Vidal Supporters, As most of you know, the Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 passed the US Senate on November 16, 2006. It now awaits the President's signature. This a huge victory as the Valle Vidal is now permanently protected from destructive oil and gas drilling. Please see article attached below. Congratulations to all of you for your calls, letters, emails, donations and volunteer efforts. This victory would not have happened without your dedication. We owe our representatives a thank you. Over the next few days, please be sure to call our elected officials and thank them for supporting the Valle Vidal Protection Act. Senator Pete Domenici (505) 988-6511 Senator Jeff Bingaman (505) 988-6647 Rep. Tom Udall (202) 225-6190 Rep. Heather Wilson (505) 346-6781 Rep. Steve Pearce (202) 225-2365 ( Governor Bill Richardson (505) 476-2200 Please be sure to stay with us as the Forest Service Amendment process regarding the Valle Vidal is not yet complete. Before we are totally finished, we still need to make sure that the area is properly managed. More on this in the new year. http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/nov/17/president-considers- protectionfor-valle/ Albuquerque Tribune President considers protection for Valle Domenici changes direction on issue James W. Brosnan/Tribune Reporter Friday, November 17, 2006 WASHINGTON ? Legislation to block oil and gas drilling in the Valle Vidal is heading to President Bush's desk for signature into law following a 180-degree turn by Sen. Pete Domenici. After holding up the bill for nearly four months, the Albuquerque Republican announced Thursday that he and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a Silver City Democrat, would try to pass the bill quickly through the lame-duck session of Congress, without any legislative hearings or a vote by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee they lead. Hours later, the Senate approved the bill unanimously. "I am happy and surprised that things fell into place so quickly for this bill. I am confident the president will sign this bill so that the Valle Vidal will continue to be a virtually unblemished piece of New Mexico for people to enjoy for generations to come," Domenici said in a joint statement with Bingaman. "This is terrific news. The Valle Vidal is a beautiful part of New Mexico that deserves to be protected," said Bingaman. The action represents a victory for thousands of New Mexicans who protested by letter, phone calls and e-mail when the U.S. Forest Service said it would study whether to allow oil and gas development on a 40,000-acre portion of the 101,794 acre preserve north of Taos. Pennzoil donated the Valle Vidal tract to the government in 1982 and it was added to Carson National Forest. When El Paso Corp., one of the nation's largest natural gas companies, requested the Forest Service study, conservation, environmental, hunting, fishing and tourism groups joined to form a coalition to protect the Valle Vidal, calling it a "veritable Rocky Mountain paradise," with populations of mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, bald eagles, native Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the largest elk herd in New Mexico. "It is a pristine, wonderful area," enjoyed by sportsmen of all kinds, back-country hikers and bird-watchers, said Oscar Simpson, president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. The coalition won its first victory July 24 when the Valle Vidal Protection Act passed the House under the sponsorship of Rep. Tom Udall, a Santa Fe Democrat. But Domenici, chairman of the Senate energy committee, refused to schedule the bill, contending there would be no harm in waiting so long as the Forest Service was just studying the drilling issue. Simpson was in one of the coalition's semi-weekly strategy sessions Thursday when members learned the battle for Domenici's support was over. Domenici explained Thursday that he was worried that pushing for Valle Vidal protections might affect his bill to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico to within 125 miles of Florida's coast. That bill is stalled over disagreements with the House. "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying `not in my backyard' in New Mexico. However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act," he said. Bingaman told reporters earlier this week that he would bring the bill out of the Energy Committee early next year if the bill did not pass in the lame-duck session. However, that also would force the House to pass the bill all over again. Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, criticized "the rush to judgment" before the Forest Service had completed its study. He said environmentalists would be the first to complain if the oil and gas industry tried to pass legislation to allow drilling without a study first. Gov. Bill Richardson had mounted his own effort to save Valle Vidal by asking the federal government to include the preserve in the areas of New Mexico to be protected from new mineral development under a "roadless" rule. After New Mexico's senators announced their agreement Thursday, Richardson said he was pleased but - in a dig at Domenici - added that he was concerned it was too late for action this year after "the long months this bill has sat in the Senate Energy Committee." But Domenici showed that, when he decides to move, things can happen quickly. If the president signs the Valle Vidal Protection Act, the roadless rule won't be needed to protect the preserve. ? 2006 The Albuquerque Tribune ? ? 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 From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Wed Nov 8 15:00:45 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 13:00:45 -0700 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] VALLE VIDAL - THE PUSH IS ON AGAIN!! Message-ID: <96a2a83ec889f7e5cd46cbe1cac499d3@vallevidal.org> PLEASE! IMMEDIATELY Call AND fax Senator Pete V. Domenici and urge him to do everything in his power to make sure the Valle Vidal Preservation Act (SB 1734) passes the Senate THIS YEAR. Call and fax AGAIN next week! We have about three weeks left to make this happen. Senator Pete Domenici (505) 988-6511 Phone (505) 988-6514 Fax Even if you have already made the call or written a letter, PLEASE DO SO AGAIN. YOUR CALL AND FAX WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! 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 From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Fri Nov 17 10:53:47 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:53:47 -0700 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] VALLE VIDAL BILL CLEARS THE SENATE!!!! Message-ID: A day for celebration!? Tom Udall?s Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 cleared the U.S. Senate Floor late yesterday. Now its on the the President's desk. Below are two articles on our amazing victory. Congratulations to all of you! ? ? http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/52265.html# ? Santa Fe New Mexican ? Senate OKs Valle Vidal protection By ANDY LENDERMAN | The New Mexican November 17, 2006 Both New Mexico senators threw their weight behind protecting the Valle Vidal from oil and gas drilling Thursday, and it worked. The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 -- authored by U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M. -- cleared the Senate floor late Thursday night. U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., announced his decision earlier in the day to support Udall's measure, after months of intense political pressure from all over New Mexico. Hunters, anglers, Republicans, Democrats and environmentalists lobbied Domenici relentlessly to protect the national forest property, famous for its high mountain valleys, rambling forests and elk herds, from development. "We're very confident the president will sign it," Domenici spokesman Chris Gallegos said. "It moved very quickly. Everybody is pleasantly surprised." The measure received unanimous consent and was among a series of energy-related legislation that was passed Thursday night, he said. "Countless New Mexicans have worked tirelessly to ensure the permanent protection of this remarkable treasure for generations to come, and passage of this bill is a testament to their efforts," Udall said Thursday night. Domenici's move appears to be related to a separate bill, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. That bill would open large parts of the continental shelf to oil and gas development. "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying 'not in my backyard' in New Mexico," Domenici said. "However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act." The Valle Vidal is a 101,794-acre parcel of federal property located in the Carson National Forest. "I have been to the Valle Vidal. It is a magnificent and beautiful area, and I understand why adding new protection has such widespread support," Domenici said in a statement issued Thursday. The fact that Domenici made this move now is relevant because he won't be in the majority much longer. For now, he chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. But when Congress meets again next year, the chairmanship will go to U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., as a result of last week's election, which changed the majorities in the Senate and House. If The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 becomes law, it would be one of Udall's most noteworthy accomplishments since arriving to Congress in 1998. "This was truly an effort that rose from the ground up," Udall said in a statement. "Community members living near the Valle, sportspeople from around the country, and (Boy) Scouts who come every year to earn natural resources stewardship badges in the Valle Vidal all worked together to express their desire that this unique piece of land and its unparalleled wildlife populations be protected in perpetuity." Domenici is working to resolve differences between the House and the Senate on the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which would lead to as much as 5.8 trillion cubic feet of new natural gas produced from American waters. "We reached a point in the session that we now believe anything we do on Valle Vidal would not impact any of our other initiatives," Domenici spokesman Matt Letourneau said. Sportsman Ed Olona of Springer was lobbying for the move Thursday when he received the news of Domenici's support. "That is great news," Olona said. "That made my day." Olona also said that Domenici's support for the Valle Vidal will be noted in his legacy. Lobbying efforts in support of Udall's bill have been spearheaded by the Coalition for the Valle Vidal, which includes more than 400 nonprofits, businesses and local governments. "It will be a really wonderful Christmas present to New Mexico," coalition member Brian Shields said. Contact Andy Lenderman at 995-3827 or alenderman at sfnewmexican.com. ? Copyright 2006 Santa Fe New Mexican ------------------ http://www.abqjournal.com/north/513214north_news11-17-06.htm Albuquerque Journal Friday, November 17, 2006 Senate OKs Drilling Ban By John Arnold Journal Staff Writer ??? Legislation that would protect northern New Mexico's Valle Vidal from energy and mineral development has cleared the Senate and needs only President Bush's signature to become law, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., announced late Thursday. ??? "I am confident the President will sign this bill so that the Valle Vidal will continue to be a virtually unblemished piece of New Mexico for people to enjoy for generations to come," Domenici said in a news release. ??? The legislation, which would ban energy and mineral development, was sponsored by Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and cleared the House in July. ??? The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent, just hours after Domenici and Bingaman announced they would work to pass the bill in the final days of the congressional session. ??? Domenici, chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, had for months declined to take a position on the legislation or to move it forward. ??? On Thursday, Domenici said he had been hesitant to support the Valle Vidal protection bill while simultaneously pushing for energy production elsewhere. ??? "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying 'not in my backyard' in New Mexico," he said before Thursday's action. "However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act." ??? The federal government acquired the 101,000-acre Valle Vidal? known to supporters as "the Yellowstone of New Mexico"? from the Pennzoil Corp. in 1982. In 2002, El Paso Exploration and Production Co. asked the Forest Service to consider opening the eastern half of the Valle Vidal to coal-bed methane drilling. ??? The proposal drew strong opposition from thousands of New Mexicans who say the area is too ecologically valuable to be developed. The state's entire congressional delegation eventually agreed. ??? Bingaman, who sponsored similar legislation in the Senate, called Thursday's passage "terrific news." ??? "The Valle Vidal is a beautiful part of New Mexico that deserves to be protected," he said. ??? Valle Vidal supporters, who've been trying for months to win Domenici's support, said before Thursday's approval that it was just a matter of time before they prevailed. ??? "We've known all along that with the support this bill has in New Mexico, Sen. Domenici was going to come around sooner or later," said Jim O'Donnell, coordinator for the Coalition for the Valle Vidal. ??? Udall said earlier Thursday he was pleased the senators were trying to pass his bill, which will prevent energy companies from leasing the Valle Vidal in the future. ??? "This was truly an effort that rose from the ground up," he said. "Community members living near the Valle, sportspeople from around the country and (Boy) Scouts who come every year to earn their natural resources stewardship badges in the Valle Vidal all worked together to express their desire that this unique piece of land and its unparalleled wildlife populations be protected in perpetuity." ??? The Associated Press contributed to this report. ? 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 From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Wed Nov 22 13:24:53 2006 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:24:53 -0700 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Please Call and Thank Our Congressional Members for the Valle Vidal Bill Message-ID: <20e26251bc96ae5897c937719b6a901d@vallevidal.org> Valle Vidal Supporters, As most of you know, the Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 passed the US Senate on November 16, 2006. It now awaits the President's signature. This a huge victory as the Valle Vidal is now permanently protected from destructive oil and gas drilling. Please see article attached below. Congratulations to all of you for your calls, letters, emails, donations and volunteer efforts. This victory would not have happened without your dedication. We owe our representatives a thank you. Over the next few days, please be sure to call our elected officials and thank them for supporting the Valle Vidal Protection Act. Senator Pete Domenici (505) 988-6511 Senator Jeff Bingaman (505) 988-6647 Rep. Tom Udall (202) 225-6190 Rep. Heather Wilson (505) 346-6781 Rep. Steve Pearce (202) 225-2365 ( Governor Bill Richardson (505) 476-2200 Please be sure to stay with us as the Forest Service Amendment process regarding the Valle Vidal is not yet complete. Before we are totally finished, we still need to make sure that the area is properly managed. More on this in the new year. http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/nov/17/president-considers- protectionfor-valle/ Albuquerque Tribune President considers protection for Valle Domenici changes direction on issue James W. Brosnan/Tribune Reporter Friday, November 17, 2006 WASHINGTON ? Legislation to block oil and gas drilling in the Valle Vidal is heading to President Bush's desk for signature into law following a 180-degree turn by Sen. Pete Domenici. After holding up the bill for nearly four months, the Albuquerque Republican announced Thursday that he and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a Silver City Democrat, would try to pass the bill quickly through the lame-duck session of Congress, without any legislative hearings or a vote by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee they lead. Hours later, the Senate approved the bill unanimously. "I am happy and surprised that things fell into place so quickly for this bill. I am confident the president will sign this bill so that the Valle Vidal will continue to be a virtually unblemished piece of New Mexico for people to enjoy for generations to come," Domenici said in a joint statement with Bingaman. "This is terrific news. The Valle Vidal is a beautiful part of New Mexico that deserves to be protected," said Bingaman. The action represents a victory for thousands of New Mexicans who protested by letter, phone calls and e-mail when the U.S. Forest Service said it would study whether to allow oil and gas development on a 40,000-acre portion of the 101,794 acre preserve north of Taos. Pennzoil donated the Valle Vidal tract to the government in 1982 and it was added to Carson National Forest. When El Paso Corp., one of the nation's largest natural gas companies, requested the Forest Service study, conservation, environmental, hunting, fishing and tourism groups joined to form a coalition to protect the Valle Vidal, calling it a "veritable Rocky Mountain paradise," with populations of mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, bald eagles, native Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the largest elk herd in New Mexico. "It is a pristine, wonderful area," enjoyed by sportsmen of all kinds, back-country hikers and bird-watchers, said Oscar Simpson, president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. The coalition won its first victory July 24 when the Valle Vidal Protection Act passed the House under the sponsorship of Rep. Tom Udall, a Santa Fe Democrat. But Domenici, chairman of the Senate energy committee, refused to schedule the bill, contending there would be no harm in waiting so long as the Forest Service was just studying the drilling issue. Simpson was in one of the coalition's semi-weekly strategy sessions Thursday when members learned the battle for Domenici's support was over. Domenici explained Thursday that he was worried that pushing for Valle Vidal protections might affect his bill to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico to within 125 miles of Florida's coast. That bill is stalled over disagreements with the House. "I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying `not in my backyard' in New Mexico. However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act," he said. Bingaman told reporters earlier this week that he would bring the bill out of the Energy Committee early next year if the bill did not pass in the lame-duck session. However, that also would force the House to pass the bill all over again. Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, criticized "the rush to judgment" before the Forest Service had completed its study. He said environmentalists would be the first to complain if the oil and gas industry tried to pass legislation to allow drilling without a study first. Gov. Bill Richardson had mounted his own effort to save Valle Vidal by asking the federal government to include the preserve in the areas of New Mexico to be protected from new mineral development under a "roadless" rule. After New Mexico's senators announced their agreement Thursday, Richardson said he was pleased but - in a dig at Domenici - added that he was concerned it was too late for action this year after "the long months this bill has sat in the Senate Energy Committee." But Domenici showed that, when he decides to move, things can happen quickly. If the president signs the Valle Vidal Protection Act, the roadless rule won't be needed to protect the preserve. ? 2006 The Albuquerque Tribune ? ? 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