Her missive Thursday came after weeks of criticism from environmental and conservation watchdogs and the National Park Service, all of whom have expressed grave concerns over how close some of the lease parcels are to two national parks, a national monument and other culturally and environmentally sensitive areas in Utah. One of BLM's most vocal critics has been Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance attorney Stephen Bloch.

"Selling these leases will have no impact whatsoever on our national security and likewise no effect on the 'price at the pump' or the price that Utahns or Americans pay to heat their homes," Bloch said Thursday in an e-mail to the Deseret News.

Sierra stressed that the law prohibits the BLM from leasing areas that are federally protected as wilderness or wilderness study areas. She said the law also requires the BLM to hold quarterly lease sales, which don't automatically allow for exploration and development of oil and gas resources. Public input and an environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act must take place before a lease is developed.

Sierra said developed leases translate into jobs, infrastructure and benefits to local economies.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com