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Secretary Gale A. Norton RE: Otero MesaDear Secretary Norton, You have often promoted the virtues of the "4 Cs" -- communication, consultation and cooperation, all in the service of conservation. Yet in New Mexico, these virtues have been ignored when it comes to Otero Mesa, one of the wildest, most remote and most sensitive places in New Mexico. Beloved by New Mexicans and others across the country, Otero Mesa is home to pronghorn, mountain lions, the federally endangered northern Aplomado falcon and countless other species. New Mexico's governor and tens of thousands of others have urged the Bureau of Land Management, the agency in charge of Otero Mesa, to protect its most fragile and sensitive areas for present and future generations to enjoy. Yet despite this overwhelming call for protection, the BLM recently decided to open virtually all of the area to oil and gas exploration, which will mean the construction of roads, pipelines, power lines and other infrastructure. Drilling Otero Mesa will not solve our energy problems. As Secretary of the Interior, you have the authority to overrule this decision and prevent the sacrifice of this unique and special place. I urge you to do so immediately. Most Sincerely,
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