The auctioning of a large tract of state school trust land, known as Parcel 194, to Kirkwood Oil and Gas, has sparked controversy in the state. The 640-acre tract was the subject of fierce bidding, with Kirkwood ultimately emerging as the highest bidder. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of oil and gas development on the land and whether the state is getting a fair deal in the transaction. As a result, the sale has drawn scrutiny from a variety of stakeholders and is now the subject of a heated debate.
1. The auctioning of Parcel 194 to Kirkwood Oil and Gas has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the impact of oil and gas development on the land.
2. Kirkwood emerged as the highest bidder for the 640-acre tract after fierce bidding.
3. Local environmental groups are outraged, arguing that drilling in this area would have devastating consequences for the surrounding ecosystem, including water contamination, air pollution, and disturbance to wildlife habitats.
4. The concerns prompted public hearings and protests, with activists demanding the state revoke Kirkwood Oil and Gas's drilling rights.
5. Despite opposition, the state defended its decision, citing economic benefits and job creation as the justification for the project.
Parcel 194, a 640-acre state school trust land, was auctioned off to Kirkwood Oil and Gas, but concerns have been raised about the impact of oil and gas development and the fairness of the transaction.
Gas in 2011. The company drilled several exploratory wells on the site and determined that there was a substantial reserve of oil underneath. This sparked outrage among local environmental groups, who argued that drilling in this area would have a devastating impact on the surrounding ecosystem. They expressed concerns over potential water contamination, air pollution, and disturbances to wildlife habitats. These concerns prompted a series of public hearings and protests, with activists demanding that the state revoke Kirkwood Oil and Gas's drilling rights. Despite the opposition, the state stood by its decision, citing the economic benefits and job creation that the project would bring to the region.