The University of Tennessee on Friday delayed plans for oil and gas drilling in a forested tract in the Cumberland Mountains.
"We understand the need to balance the benefits of this project with the needs of public policy and the importance of gathering more input from broad constituencies," UT vice president Hank Dye said.
"We want to take more time and be sure that every concern is heard," he said.
Environmentalists claimed UT's plans to lease drilling rights on 8,600 rugged acres near Wartburg in Scott and Morgan counties could set a precedent and could place public lands across the state in jeopardy during a down economy.
UT officials had said the lease could bring the school $300,000 a year at a time when the university is facing cuts of $100 million in state funding over the next few years.
However, Dye said, the deal also could yield "valuable research and education opportunities."
Still, the university on Friday withdrew its request to the State Building Commission to approve the lease.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/24/ap6336605.html