When Tim DeChrisotpher, an ardent environmental activist, heard that leases for land parcels were going to be rushed to auction at the end of the Bush administration, opening them up for drilling, he decided to try to stop the sale. Although he hadn't yet decided on a course of action, when he arrived at the lease auction, he accepted a bidding paddle offered to him by an auctioneer, henceforth becoming known as Bidder # 70.
DeChristopher began bidding as soon as the auction opened, buying more than a dozen parcels, driving up the prices of others. In effect, he purchased a total of 22,500 acres before being stopped by a federal agent.
His actions effectively put a halt to the 11th-hour leases and subsequent drilling. The auction itself was later deemed illegitimate by the Obama administration.
According to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Lessee Qualifications and Limitations: "Federal oil and gas leases may be obtained and held by any adult citizen of the United States." There are no other stipulations cited. At the time, he had no money to pay for the purchases, but would have raised the money through concerned environmental groups.
So - where is the crime????
Dear President Obama
We, the undersigned, respectfully request the release of Tim DeChristopher. According to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Lessee Qualifications and Limitations: "Federal oil and gas leases may be obtained and held by any adult citizen of the United States." There are no other stipulations cited.
Although, at the time of bidding, he had insufficient funds to pay for the purchases, concerned environmental groups would have raised the necessary finances.
Thank you for your time!
