Monday, August 18, 2008

Spiral Jetty


Fox News reports this week that an Alberta firm is still hoping to drill near Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty. Pearl Montana Exploration, the Calgary-based company, drew protests earlier this year from art fans and environmentalists, led by Smithon's widow, artist Nancy Holt. Keith Hill, the company president, said that they are addressing shortcomings in their previous applications, in regards to water rights as well as cultural and environmental impact. He predicts millions of barrels worth of oil could be found beneath the lake. With gas prices rising, even the Democrats are rushing to reverse their previous opposition to over-drilling, so the Spiral Jetty may be in jeopardy. Hill says that once the permits are approved, drilling could begin in six months.

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