Some residents of Madison County, New York, say they are surprised to learn they sold their natural gas rights to the Oneida Nation.

One critic of the tribe said he wouldn't have signed the lease had he known the tribe was involved. Others said they would have liked to know who was behind the deal.

The tribe purchased the rights through Ardent Resources. A spokesperson said the tribe has a reason to keep its identity hidden because people would probably ask for more money.

In total, the tribe signed 123 leases under 20,000 acres. The tribe is building a $13 million power plant to sustain its casino resort.

Get the Story:
How Oneidas Got 123 Gas Leases (The Syracuse Post-Standard 2/10)

Relevant Links:
Oneida Nation - http://www.oneida-nation.net

Related Stories:
N.Y. tribe building energy plant for casino resort (02/04)