Colorado Senator Gail Schwartz held a public meeting Jan. 29, in Hotchkiss concerning the proposed 22 parcels that the BLM has proposed for the August 2012 lease sale. The hearing was sponsored by Citizens for a Healthy Community and was attended by a standing-room-only crowd.
Along with Schwartz were Jerry Otero from Senator Mark Udall’s Office, Sheri Cogley from Senator Michael Bennet’s Office, Colorado State Representative Roger Wilson, BLM district director Lori Armstrong and Mike King, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
After a brief power point presentation, each person who signed up to speak was given three minutes to make their comments to the panel of officials.
A steady stream of approximately 50 people gave their comments to the panel, with all but one in opposition to the lease sales.
Theo Colborn, who has worked extensively with environmental groups to fight natural gas development, was the first speaker. She claimed that the chemicals used in natural gas extraction have catastrophic consequences to the health of not only people, but all forms of life. She demanded that all 22 parcels be withdrawn from the lease.
Kyle Tisdell, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Firm said, “We work to eliminate dirty oil and gas. We have worked on past lawsuits that have been filed against the BLM in Delta County. When BLM pulls its leases back it is almost always because of public outcry. We will be ready to challenge BLM if they do not meet the NEPA standards on this proposal.
Over and over, attendees voiced concerns about water supplies, air quality, traffic, fracking and seismic activity.
Dave Hiney who said he was an ex- oil and gas employee, said that he generally supported oil and gas but that he finds himself in opposition to the leases because of his concerns about potential pollution to water sources. “Oil and gas should only be developed in remote areas,” said Hiney.
Other comments included concerns for wildlife, tourism, the impacts to organic farms and ranches, and the housing market.
The only proponent who spoke was Randy Litwiller. He stepped to the microphone and said, “I am against reckless drilling, and for that matter, any abuse of public lands without thought to the impact that it may cause to others who chose to use it. With regards to gas drilling in particular, I am against natural gas development that uses fracking techniques within water bearing formations or in any water bearing aquifers. I am against drilling in an illegal manner without the proper authority, permits, or required studies of the potential negative impacts the drilling may cause. What I do support is energy development conducted in a responsible manner, with adequate studies minimizing the potential impact. If regulations are followed, I believe that energy development can coexist with the variety of things we use our public lands for. Instead of organizing a witch hunt complete with torches and an angry mob we should focus towards making this project a model that the country adapts for future sites nationwide.”
After the hearing closed, Mike King said, “In 2007 when we rewrote the regulations, it was because we saw this coming and we strengthened the regulations then. I was very involved with those new rules in 2007. We have just completed new fracking rules and they are the most transparent and stringent rules in the United States.”
Schwartz said, “I just love the passion from this community. These people needed to be heard and this is a passion of mine. I am termed out and have three years yet to work, and while I am here representing the people, I will work for all for the people in my district.”
Photo Caption-
Colorado Gail Schwartz tells more than 300 people that she is Hotchkiss to hear the concerns about the proposed gas lease parcels in the North Fork.
