Sean Patrick Farrel writes about the barriers to compromise facing drillers and conservationists in western Colorodo's Roan Plateau in The New York Times. Energy companies marvel at the "energy density" underneath the 36,000-square-foot surface, and environmental advocates say that despite not being "classic wilderness" (its many roads also make it a focal point of the roadless areas controversy), protecting the Plateau would prevent further abuse of critical habitat.
"From atop the Roan's cliffs, it is easy to see signs of encroaching oil and gas development. Service roads, well pads and gas rigs spread out across the valley floor. Such intensive energy development is remaking big parts of the landscape stretching the length of the Rocky Mountains."
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