The BLM had previously said "no-surface occupancy" stipulations on the pulled leases would keep development from marring their rock art and other archaeological resources. But Willis pointed out that industry would just directionally drill from nearby private ranch lands, thereby thwarting the purpose of the stipulations. This week, BLM agreed Willis' coalition and other groups were making a valid point. Deferring the two Nine Mile leases was not the first time the BLM yanked proposed oil and gas leases at the 11th hour after groups raised concerns about how drilling would affect archaeological resources.