Honorable U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative
Address
City

Dear __________,

On September 15th, 2005 Rep. Tom Udall introduced the Valle Vidal Protection Act (House Bill 3817) in the House of Representatives. On September 20th Senator Jeff Bingaman introduced the Valle Vidal Preservation Act (Senate Bill 1734) in the Senate.

These are huge steps forward in the campaign to permanently protect New Mexico's Valle Vidal from coalbed methane (CBM) drilling, oil and gas leasing/development and other forms of industrialization - but it is not the end. These bills cannot move forward without your support.

The Valle Vidal is a tremendously unique portion of America's public land. As a public landowner and user, I value the Valle Vidal's abundant and broad range of wildlife, the area's clean riparian and water resources, and its vast array of recreational, sporting and agricultural opportunities. The Valle Vidal is an economic generator for our communities. Every year, over 50,000 people spend $3-5 million dollars in our communities when visiting the Valle Vidal. We must protect that sustainable resource.

The Forest Service estimates that there is very little gas in the Valle Vidal. In fact, there is so little natural gas in the Valle Vidal that it represents roughly one-half to 2-1/2 day's supply of current USA natural gas demand. The question of these gas resources is settled. We do not need to waste more tax-payer¹s money for the Forest Service to tell us that most New Mexicans are against drilling this treasure,

Coalbed Methane development is an extremely destructive enterprise that has no place in the Valle Vidal.

Again, I urge you to support the Valle Vidal Preservation Act as well as the Valle Vidal Protection Act.

Very sincerely yours,

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