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On Monday, January 29, a state senate committee killed an important bill
introduced by Senator Matt Jones, SB18-048 known as the Protect Act. The
bill would have given local governments the same authority over Oil & Gas
operations that they already have over every other heavy industrial
activity.
Applying a one-size-fits-all Industry model to the many varied economies
around the state is misguided, and even destructive. Oil & Gas Industry
(OGI) contributions to the Colorado economy, while significant, are dwarfed
by those of the outdoor/recreation industries. Research shows that the
outdoor recreation economy brings with it more income, and more diverse,
high-paying and permanent jobs than the OGI. Communities promoting outdoor
recreation attract employers and active workforces and thrive, both
economically and socially.
Many communities around the state depend on recreational activities,
requiring access to clean air, water, and unobstructed views of nature and
wildlife. OGI exploration would actually harm these economies, possibly
for the long-term or even irreversibly. Noise, air and water pollution,
light pollution, and views marred by industrial activities is the exact
opposite of what these areas need for a healthy economy.
For many decades the rights of the Oil & Gas Industry (OGI) have supersede
those of everyone else. But times and public opinions have changed.
Communities should have the right to determine for themselves what is best
for their local economy. Let those who want heavy industry next door
continue to invite drilling. But those who don’t want it should have the
right to say “No!”. OGI imposing exclusive authority over local governments
is an old paradigm that must be discarded, and it’s time state lawmakers
recognize that.
This bill should have had a fair discussion on the floor of the Senate, not
killed in a committee with a 3-2 vote.
Julia Dadone
Longmont, CO
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