KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | Drilling lease gets Santa Fe Opera in hot water
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Associated Press - October 9, 2009 6:05 PM ET
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Santa Fe Opera is taking another look at its decision to allow drilling for oil and gas on nearly 27,000 acres in rural Mora and San Miguel counties.
The opera has mineral rights because it was part of a bequest from a longtime patron.
The lease was signed in April but came to light a few weeks ago. There was an outcry from drilling opponents who worry about environmental harm.
The opera's general director, Charles MacKay, says the opera didn't take into account all its options when it decided to sign the lease. He said the board will revisit the issue.
Drilling has been a contentious topic in northern New Mexico for several years. Oil and gas companies, armed with new technology, are looking again at areas that were once considered unsuitable for drilling.
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