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In the Chihuahan Desert of southern New Mexico is the Otero Mesa grassland. This pristine, fragile and biologically diverse desert ecosystem is home to many sensitive species of plants and animals, including pronghorn, mule deer, and the rare Aplomado falcon -- and is the winter home of many species of migratory songbirds.

Earthjustice is representing a coalition of conservation groups, including the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, in claims that the Bureau of Land Management has failed to include adequate environmental protection measures when considering proposed oil and gas developments in the Otero Mesa grassland. The BLM's proposal would open more than 90 percent of this unique desert environment to oil and gas drilling.