When it comes to environmental efforts, there are a lot of differences between Oklahoma and Colorado.
Oklahoma is more supportive of its oil and gas industry but at the same time, aware of the need for a clean environment.
Colorado is not so supportive of its oil and gas industry, at least in the major metro areas and the mountainous regions filled with ski resorts. The state is also highly protective of its water resources.
Farmers and ranchers on the eastern front tend to be more conservative and are harsh critics of the extreme liberal efforts of environmentalists, many who are in the Boulder area.
This week, Boulder County commissioners considered a call from high school students and residents for a countywide fracking ban.
“We’re here today to urge our commissioner to take the strongest possible action to protect our public health and safety,” said Deborah McNamara, a campaign organizer with environmental activist group 350 Colorado. “Senate Bill 181 allows for fracking prohibitions if it is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary,’ and we believe (a fracking ban) is indeed reasonable and necessary based on the harm that has already been done and that continues to be done.”
Citing a slew of health and environmental concerns, as well as frustrations with the slow-moving regulatory reform process at the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, residents lined up outside the Boulder County commissioners’ meeting Tuesday to call for a countywide fracking ban.
While the commissioners said they support a ban, they also noted the legality of enacting one is unclear according to a report by the Greeley Tribune.
The main concern moving forward is that if Boulder County enacts a fracking ban, it would likely be sued by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, much like Longmont, Lafayette and Broomfield were after their voters approved fracking bans in 2012.