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.