Why Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas
Much of the oil and gas produced in the United States comes from our public wildlands. Our work helps to protect our cherished wild places from damages caused by oil and gas drilling.
While there are some lands that are appropriate for oil and gas drilling, others are simply too wild and fragile for industrial development. Oil and gas development can lead to:
- Habitat fragmentation and disturbances in migration, breeding and foraging habits of wildlife
- Pollution of air and water through daily operations
- Toxic oil spills
- Noise pollution
- Spoiled beauty of scenic areas
The Wilderness Society is committed to making sure that oil and gas development is done safely and responsibly, while making sure our most pristine and treasured landscapes are protected.
Why oil and gas
Our government allows oil and gas companies to drill on the wildlands that belong to all Americans. When not done responsibly, or when allowed to take place in sensitive habitats, drilling can do lasting damages to these wild places. We work to ensure that any development on our public land is safe and responsible.
Oil subsidies
Profit-rich oil and gas companies currently receive more than $4 billion in subsidies. These subsidies were originally used to help the industry in its early days, but they are no longer needed.
Federal legislation
Laws passed through Congress have established a framework for managing our public lands. These laws allow us to use our lands for various uses without harming the environment.
Administrative reforms
A presidential administration gets leeway on how to approach oil and gas development. While there are baseline laws to be followed, the president's administration can pass certain reforms to make oil and gas drilling safer for wildlands.
Leasing on public lands
The oil and gas development process on public lands is in place to decrease environmental harm in surrounding areas. The water, air and habitats need to be kept clean and the oil and gas drilling needs to be kept to the smallest footprint possible. The federal government has important policies in place to ensure this occurs.
Oil and gas FAQs
This page has answers to some frequently asked questions about our work on oil and gas issues.
Notes from the Hill
Stay current on legislation moving in Congress, issues affecting wilderness and wilderness designation campaigns with our Notes from the Hill.
Take Action
Add your voice to important wilderness causes and take action to stop threats to our wildlands by joining our community of wilderness activists.
Policy and Science Library
Find fact sheets, reports and other resources related to wilderness policy and conservation.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013If the Senate is any indication, your support of wilderness bills may meet success this year.
Saturday, June 15, 2013Planning a vacation this summer? Be sure to pen in some time for Wilderness during your travels!
Whether you intend to visit a major city, or you live in one and are looking for a quick weekend trip, a visit to Wilderness may be just what you need to unwind and relax.
Friday, June 14, 2013Just as you rely on wild places to rejuvenate and restore you, those places rely on you to keep them in good condition.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia transmission project raises serious concerns about impacts to Arizona’s sensitive San Pedro Valley.
Friday, June 7, 2013The memorandum specifically calls on federal agencies to collaborate on identifying suitable places on public lands that avoid sensitive na
Wednesday, May 15, 2013Yet, here we are, with people and the government unable to stop furloughs, job losses, and lower revenue to keep the government functioning. Our public lands have certainly not been spared from this indiscriminate budget ax.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013Like a dutiful sentinel, the lookout quietly watches over the wild, waiting for visitors to make their way through beautiful alpine meadows to the summit of Green Mountain.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013But Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski refused to accept that decision. She and residents of the tiny community of King Cove are fighting to have the decision overturned.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013Birdwatchers travel from far and wide to northwest Colorado to see male sage-grouse strut their stuff in hopes of attracting a mate. Early spring is prime season to catch these timid grouse dancing on the lek and shaking their tail feathers through organized tours.
A support letter for H.R. 908/S. 404, the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act, introduced in February by Reps. DelBene and Larsen and Sens. Murray and Cantwell.
Dear Representative Gosar:
On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), I am writing to express our support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R. 596). This landmark legislation would extend royalties and lease income from solar and wind projects developed on Federal lands to home states and counties.
Dear Representative Gosar:
We are writing to express our support for sharing with states and counties renewable energy royalty revenues from federal lands. The language contained in the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (HR 596) which you have introduced in the House would enact such revenue sharing.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013Contacts:
Alan Rowsome, (202)285-8134, alan_rowsome@tws.org
Emily Diamond-Falk, (202) 841-8605, emily_diamond-falk@tws.org
WASHINGTON (June 18, 2013) – The Wilderness Society today took a position on several bills being marked-up in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia Southwest transmission project was released today by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identifying the agency’s preferred routes in Arizona and New Mexico.
- Friday, June 14, 2013
Ken Salazar receives Ansel Adams Award
Washington, DC (June 14, 2013) – Former Colorado Senator and Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, received the Ansel Adams Award on Thursday for his enduring dedication and commitment to America’s wild public lands.
The Ansel Adams Award is presented to a current or former federal official who has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of conservation and the fostering of an American land ethic.