Colorado Oil And Gas Supporters Fight Regulations
DENVER (AP/CBS4) - Colorado business groups are rallying against a ban approved by Longmont voters banning hydraulic fracturing in their city.
Leaders of chambers of commerce from the Denver area were among about 200 people who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday for they what they called a "Prosper Colorado Rally" to show their support for the oil and gas industry. They say energy can be developed responsibly and help the Colorado economy.
"There is not only a compelling reason to solve it because of the numerous people in Colorado who are employed by this industry, but because of the economic benefit we all get from it," Kelly Brough with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce said.
Protestors were also at the rally saying there is no environmentally safe way to drill.
"What we want to do is get them away. We want a big separation between drilling and fracking and between people's homes and schools and other public buildings," Charlie Montgomery with Conservation Colorado said.
Longmont voters approved the ban in last week's election.
The Denver Post reports that residents in Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Fort Collins, Lafayette and Louisville are working to introduce similar bans in their communities.
Colorado Oil and Gas Association officials say that Longmont's ban ignores community needs for oil and gas products, including electricity, commerce and transportation.
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