I completely agree that “there is no need to accelerate leasing of federal land for oil shale production,” as The Daily Sentinel’s May 5 editorial, “Congress is pushing another shale sham” rightly noted.

That’s why I’ve been trying to change the 2005 energy act’s mandate that the BLM go ahead with a commercial-scale program without waiting to learn the results of the research and development program.

Unfortunately, the Senate did not go along with the part of last year’s House-passed energy bill that included my provisions making that change.

However, the House also voted to adopt my amendment adding to the Interior Department’s funding bill a moratorium on final commercial leasing regulations and leases — and, as the Sentinel noted, that did win enactment thanks to support from Sen. Ken Salazar.

I share the Sentinel’s view that the moratorium — now set to expire at the end of September — should be extended, and I will be working to achieve that result.

REP. MARK UDALL
2nd Congressional District
Eldorado Springs

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