By Copyright 2008 Albuquerque Journal By Andrew Webb Journal Staff Writer Opponents of opening new areas offshore and in Alaska to oil drilling frequently cite the fact that millions of acres already leased by oil and gas companies sit idle.

By TANIA SOUSSAN For the Journal A six-year battle over a patch of southern New Mexico known as Otero Mesa took a turn recently with calls from the state's congressional delegation for a moratorium on oil and gas development.

Oil and gas are big business in New Mexico. That reality, for most of our state's history, has had a sobering effect even on our more environmentally conscious politicians. As for the drill-now, worry-later bloc, concerns about nature are nuisances.

By Clouser, Gary This gas-rich area is promising, but the industry says conditions are too restrictive.

By JOANNA PRUKOP Regarding the Oct. 14 commentary, "Court has ruled; time to move on in Otero Mesa," by Bob Gallagher, president of the New Mexico Gas and Oil Association: Yes, the court ruled, but that does not mean that it is time to start drilling in Otero Mesa. Gov.