Great scoop from the environmentalists at Drilling Santa Fe: The Santa Fe Opera has leased 26,746 acres worth of mineral rights in Mora and San Miguel counties to J Bar Cane, an oil and gas exploration company. Under the terms of the arrangement, the Opera's cut is an eighth of the proceeds.

The agreement includes oil and gases such as helium, carbon dioxide, gaseous sulfur compounds and coalbed methane. There are no clauses in the contract regarding environmental protections or restrictions on drilling methods.

The lease was completed in April, but filed with San Miguel County in August. Opera General Director Charles MacKay signed the lease. He was unable to be reached; his voicemail says he's out of town until Sept. 28.

Lease pdf here.