There is a "Take Action" link on the Barrett Web site with contact information for every legislator and Utah congressman and a link to a sample letter that people can use to voice their opinions. Part of the letter reads, "In my opinion, it could be devastating to both Emery and Carbon counties — as well as the entire state of Utah — if the West Tavaputs gas drilling operations were not allowed to move forward as planned."

Tanner also accused the company of lying about damage to archaeological resources. He said he'll continue to challenge Barrett's proposal in ongoing court proceedings.

In the meantime, Barrett officials want the public to know their plan to drill 800 wells fits with a need to pursue Utah's energy needs. They say on their Web site that, as the BLM considers giving full approval to the drilling plan, people need to understand "how much it means" to Utah.

Barrett says there is "no net impact" on archaeological cultural sites, adding the company has so far spent $2 million to protect cultural resources, realign roads and to control dust. The company is committed to a "stop work" requirement if cultural artifacts are found during earth work activities. The company also cites a "no net impact" on dust-control efforts, detailing all of its efforts to keep dust down, which includes using a controversial chemical that critics say does not break down easily and poses an additional threat to the canyon's famed rock art.

Several state and national environmental and preservation groups and even the federal Environmental Protection Agency have all expressed concern about the project's potential impact on wildlife, habitat and cultural resources in and around the area of where drilling would take place.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com