Colorado Residents and Oil, Gas Industry Continue Open Dialogue Efforts

"Due largely to technological advancements, the oil and gas industry is producing more with a smaller footprint in Colorado," Doug Flanders, director of policy and external affairs at Colorado Oil and Gas Association, told Rigzone. "The state is reaping the economic benefits of increased production while lessening the environmental impact of development. Plus, with the increased use of natural gas, the U.S. is witnessing the lowest carbon emissions in 20 years – all of which is great news."

While the state partakes in the nation's energy renaissance, it is causing a controversy over booming energy production and the widespread use of hydraulic fracturing. Since March 2007, Coloradoans have submitted around 1,000 complaints to state regulators asking for enforcement against energy companies.

The increased use of fracking has sparked public concerns that the chemicals in the process could pollute drinking water resources. Such concerns have prompted some county and city leaders to enact rules and regulations for drilling operations that are stronger than state regulations.

Opponents of hydraulic fracturing have turned in petitions seeking to ban the practice or impose drilling moratoriums in several counties in Colorado including Longmont, Broomsfield, Fort Collins, Lafayette and the city of and county of Boulder.

Some residents of Fort Collins have formed a group, Citizens for a Healthy Fort Collins, and have collected enough signatures, 8,000 specifically, asking to ban fracking for five years. The group's first move is to try and restrict fracking within city limits.

But by having an open dialogue, COGA believes that perceptions can change.

"When all parties can have a respectful conversation about the industry's practices, great things can happen," he stated.


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