200+ signatures already gathered, petition now online

The Drop Zone Group, a group of Socorro area residents who oppose EMRTC's proposed drop zone west of Socorro, have already gathered over 200 signatures opposing it. They have now made the petition available online, so that citizens who oppose the drop zone but have not yet signed can add their names to the list.

If you need more background

• Realtor says drop zone will hurt property values
• Tech regents get feedback from public on proposed drop zone
• Detailed critique of EMRTC drop zone presented at city council
• Magdalena Village Trustees oppose drop zone
• Alamo Chapter of Navajo Reservation opposes drop zone

Petition text:

We, the undersigned, are opposed to Establishing a Drop Zone at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, NM. We also are opposed to the joint application by the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and EMRTC to establish all EMRTC lands as a “Special Use Airspace.”

We protest the Finding of No Significant Impact on Establishing the Drop Zone, and are concerned about the cumulative impacts this action, along with all past, current, and future explosives testing, has had and will continue to have on our daily quality of life.

We feel that EMRTC has not acted as a good neighbor by inviting Kirtland AFB and other military “clients” to fly over our community more than 1,440 times a year with no elevation restrictions, or time limitations, and within 1.16 miles of US HWY 60.

We call for a full questioning and accounting of the legality of this action as defined by National Environmental Protection Agency procedures. We ask that the “no action alternative,” be implemented, and that Kirtland AFB and other clients continue using other pre-established Drop Zones, and cease action at EMRTC in Socorro.

Sign online