The news of potential increased oil and gas development in Santa Fe County has riled folks up like little else in recent history.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, a public forum on proposed changes to a Santa Fe County ordinance regulating oil and gas exploration promises to turn up the heat even more. Turnout is expected to be so great that the county commission is holding the meeting at the Santa Fe High School gymnasium.

Meanwhile, the Galisteo Community Association is buying advertisements in local newspapers claiming — a claim we haven't independently substantiated — oil and gas companies have "recently acquired mineral leases for over 19 percent of Santa Fe County." However many leases there are, opponents are letting all county residents know that even though the exploration is in the Galisteo Basin, it could affect everyone.

Another group, Drilling Santa Fe, is running maps showing a pre-drilling Santa Fe County and one with oil wells. (You have to read the words under the picture to realize that field isn't a projection of what Santa Fe might be, but rather what Farmington is right now.) Other maps comparing the Plaza to a well pad are pasted on boxes downtown — guerrilla advertising on top of regular media.

We support a vigorous debate of this issue and, like our fellow citizens, demand strong protection for the environment.

We do believe, however, that this debate can take place with civility and respect. It's a bit unsettling to read of people shouting at oil and gas company officials, and of company officials thinking they need security at meetings. Disagreement doesn't have to be obnoxious.

The citizens, environmentalists and folks who don't want to look at an oil well in their backyard have a strong case that any development must be regulated — and even that the area in question may be too precious to risk. They don't need to undermine those strengths with rudeness, whether at tonight's meeting or Saturday's peaceful march starting at 10 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse.




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