Max Baucus: “Most recently, in 1997, following significant public and private investment and an extensive public comment process, the…”

“Most recently, in 1997, following significant public and private investment and an extensive public comment process, the Lewis and Clark National Forest decided to withdraw 356,000 acres in the Front of any new oil and gas leasing. This was a significant first step in protecting the Front from development, and I wholeheartedly supported it. However, in many parts of the Rocky Mountain Front, oil and gas leases do exist, and they predate that 1997 decision, or they are located on BLM lands. Many of the leases that predate the 1997 decision are located in the Badger-Two Medicine area. That is shown up here on the map, close to the Blackfoot Reservation. And that has been under an administrative lease suspension since 1996, pending review of the Blackfoot Traditional Cultural District. This lease suspension could be lifted at any time now that the Blackfoot Traditional Cultural District has been declared eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. All of these existing leaseholders have invested time and resources in acquiring their leases. I understand that and am sympathetic. Several leaseholders have applied to the Federal Government for permits to drill. In fact, the BLM and the United States Forest Service plan to begin analysis of about four leases in the Blackleaf Area of the front this fall. These leases are subject of the study proposed in my bill.”