Utah Student Raises $45,000 to Protect Land from Drilling
Tim DeChristopher, the student who won over 22,000 acres of land at a Bureau of Land Management Auction, is on his way to purchasing the land, which was originally intended for sale to oil companies.
[Creative Commons photo by Wolfgang Staudt]
DeChristopher infiltrated a Bureau of Land Management auction on December 19th. Because the agency threw the auction together so hastily, he was able to get inside, grab an auction paddle and bid against the oil companies. He successfully raised the $45,000 by today in order to hold onto his claim.
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While he may not be able to raise enough to cover the $1.7 million price tag for all 13 parcels of land, this down payment will let him hold onto his winnings at least until the new administration is in place, keeping it out of the hands of oil and gas companies. DeChristopher thinks “that making the down payment on the leases is the best way to protect the land until we can restore open, transparent and democratic procedures for determining the fate of valuable public lands.”
Not only did raising the money help him keep the acreage, it allowed him to avoid fraud charges. At the advice of his legal counsel, DeChristopher concluded that purchasing the land “makes it simply a question of my intent in opposing what I thought was a fraudulent auction.”
DeChristopher can still use our help! There is still a chance he could raise the money he needs to buy the land. Even if this is not possible, he needs help paying his legal fees. To read more of his story or make a donation, head over to the Bidder 70 website. While you’re there, check out his moving open letter about his act of civil disobedience.
he’s a moron and should be in jail.
What an idiot, we are dependent on foreign oil, and when we have a chance to use some of the resources we have here for free, this stupid green moron throws a wrench in the plans. I hope he looses all his money. I am going to throw up if I hear the word green again…
To JP and Sparky the Stun Guy
You are right on an economical standpoint that it is stupid. On another perspective though, we must find alternate, more Durable, energy source if we want to continue living as we do forever. Oil is limited and it’s a matter of time before we run out.
you both are idiots, the us has a maximum 3% of the world oil supply. If we raped all our land to get that 3% your gas drops by a dime. That is REAL smart. That is just common sense man. The future IS green. You have no idea what you talk about man. Support green energy instead of supporting drilling which ironically increases dependence on oil although you make it sound like a bad thing. well it is! so fuck it, and get workin on something else.
This man is a hero. He is protecting what remains of our natural environment for future generations of Americans from those who would destroy it for brief profits.
Tim,
You are the real American Hero. I don’t understand how people don’t realize the importance of preserving the planet for our children.
Kudos to Mr.DeChristopher! More power to him. He out manuveured the usual corporate manuveurers.
Green.
JP and Sparky…
Shut the hell up. We have enough oil in Alaska to keep this country going for the next 200 years. We don’t need to drill for more oil!!! Tell Congress we should use Alaska oil for our own use instead of shipping it out to foreigners.
Please don’t give this douche another penny. He should already be jailed for fraud. He bid in an auction with no intent to pay/back his bid. That’s cut/dry fraud in any other situation. Please smack a misguided neo-hippy whenever you have the chance.