Case Study: Cultural Resources
Northwestern New Mexico contains significant oil and gas and coal reserves as well as large numbers of cultural resources and sites sacred to Native American groups. Development of oil and gas and coal can conflict with the preservation and use of cultural resources and sacred sites. In San Juan Citizens Alliance et al. v. Norton et al., CV-04-1038 (D.N.M.), the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and DGS on behalf of several major oil and gas companies are working together to defend against claims that the Bureau of Land Management did not comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) when consulting with Native Americans in the area. DGS’ experience in compliance issues under the NHPA and similar statutes is not only legal -- its public lands group includes attorneys with advanced degrees and professional experience in archeology.