Colorado Regulators Face More Pressure Over Deadly Pipeline Explosion

Colorado’s oil and gas regulators are under more pressure from environmentalists who are calling for a crackdown on drilling in urban areas.

Their call has escalated following the early-May natural gas pipeline that killed two men in a residential area 35 miles north of Denver.

On Monday, approximately 30 people gathered at a meeting of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. All but one spoke against allowing drilling near homes.

“Where is the outrage for the two people that were incinerated in Firestone?” asked one man.

The opponents also were critical of the Commission’s decision to ask the Colorado State Supreme Court to review an appeals court ruling in a case challenging how the state handles oil and gas permits. The ruling would force the state to prioritize health and safety in granting permits.

An official with 350 Colorado, an environmental group, says the state should drop the appeal.

“Even if the cost-benefit analysis were the appropriate test—the harm of continued drilling would far outweigh any benefits,” stated Gina Hardin, executive director.