The Associated Press
Officials from Arizona and other Western states are demanding limits on oil-shale drilling along the Colorado River over concerns the thirst for oil could lead to polluted water supplies for millions of people.
The worries have prompted proposals to limit acreage available for leasing.
Arizona and Nevada officials sent letters to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expressing concerns about protecting Colorado River water quality and quantity. Other officials back a Bureau of Land Management proposal to sharply reduce acreage available for possible leasing in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
Chris Treese, spokesman for the Colorado River Water Conservation District, said the concerns are overblown.
