The author also talks about how land (actually mineral rights, but who's keeping track?) can be had for a few dollars which implies that the government is givin

The author also talks about how land (actually mineral rights, but who's keeping track?) can be had for a few dollars which implies that the government is giving away land essentially for free to oil companies. Sure it could be, but pretty much all mineral rights that sell for the minimum bid will have no oil or value. The majority of bids that will actually be drilled on with likely sell for a very large amount. Only useless land is going to be sold for nothing act auction. sigh Such a shame that the author decided to use deceptive tactics which really water down what the message should be: that the government should preserve the land and not sell mineral rights unless there's a very compelling reason. I mean, here I am defending the government when I agree with the overall sentiment that nature should be preserved!