County wants a permanent ban on new oil and gas leasing in forests

Teton County commissioners are set to decide Tuesday whether to send a letter urging the U.S. Forest Service to permanently withdraw National Forest lands in Teton County from new oil and gas leasing and hard-rock mineral entry. The request includes limited exceptions for valid existing rights and for sand and gravel extraction within one-quarter mile of existing roads, as laid out in the county’s roadless policy and reiterated in its proposed comment letter. Roadless Rule Formal Comment Letter

If you care about clean water, wildlife habitat, and the outdoor places your kids grow up exploring, this is one to watch, because this is the county putting its name on a long-term “no new drilling or mining here” position for Forest Service land. The vote is part of a broader set of comments opposing rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, but this particular piece is about keeping new mineral development off the table in the first place. Board of County Commissioners Meeting Agenda