Issues > Wildlands Main Page > All Wildlands Documents

Don't Drill Away the West

Vast stretches of the Western United States
are threatened by oil and gas development

Across the American West, oil and gas companies are trying to turn our last wild places into industrial zones. This map shows some of the stunning landscapes, rich history, critical wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation areas that NRDC is fighting to protect with local partners and through the court system.

Reading the Map: Click the markers to see photos of each area, find out what makes it special and learn how NRDC is working to save it.

TAKE ACTION NOW

DEFEND WILDERNESS

Become a BioGems Defender and help NRDC fight to protect Western wildlands.

Take Action Now

WESTERN LANDS UNDER SEIGE

From Montana to New Mexico, cherished wildlands across the American West are at risk. Oil and gas companies are buying up pieces of these pristine Western lands -- some in national forests and recreation areas -- to exploit them for development.

The industrialization of these areas destroys animal habitat, creates air, water and noise pollution, devastates surrounding communities and destroys their natural beauty and history.

NRDC is trying to limit oil and gas drilling throughout the West's last wildlands. By working with local groups, Congress and the White House, as well as through the court system, NRDC has helped secure protection for some lands threatened by development. But many remain at risk and could be lost forever.

last revised 6/1/2009

Find NRDC on
YouTube