R.L. Tatman, a long-time oil-field worker, told Hayes the energy industry operates under mounting state and federal regulations, many of which he said are unnecessary.

"For the most part, wells aren't easy to drill," Tatman said. "There are no less than 80,000 regulations, from the leasing to the drilling of the well. ... Can you think of any one single thing that takes 80,000 regulations? Could we build houses if there were 80,000 regulations?"

Tatman said the Basin is a tough area to drill in because the Vernal BLM office is "doing its job" and urged Hayes not to allow the federal government to implement additional regulations on oil and gas exploration and production.

"We don't need anymore regulations," he said.

A few supporters of Salazar's decision to rescind the leases stepped to the microphone only to be drowned out by boos and catcalls. Hayes called for respect for all of the speakers, as did others in the audience who want the leases reinstated.

"I'm a little bit disturbed by the lack of respect that we've given some of the speakers because we're not rednecks," said Val Labrum of Roosevelt, who then said Salazar should return the leases to the winning bidders.

Hayes, who met behind closed doors with state and county leaders before the public hearing, said his team would make recommendations to Salazar by the end of next week and discuss them with Bennett shortly thereafter.

"We are hoping we can work through this," he said. "We know by your very presence here how important this is to all of you."