ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It was supposed to be a virtual public meeting focused on a review of a proposed plan that will govern oil and gas drilling and other development across a vast corner of northwestern New Mexico.
The area includes a national park and spots important to Native American tribes. Instead, Thursday's meeting hosted by federal land managers spurred only criticism as tribal members and environmentalists pushed for the public comment period to be extended due to hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Not only have tribes been hit hard by the virus, they say the lack of broadband and limited cellphone service make participating in the virtual meetings difficult.