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Proposed Bill Aims To Protect Homeowners From Fracking Damage

DENVER (CBS4)- A bill proposed at the state Capitol aims to protect homeowners from damage caused by fracking. This comes after Colorado approved dozens of wells to be drilled in residential areas of Adams County.

Rep. Joseph Salazar, a Democrat representing Thornton, wrote the bill. He said it would make energy companies compensate homeowners for any damage that occurs while drilling on their property. It would even hold them liable for any injuries and earthquakes.

Stacy Lambright, a longtime resident of Thornton, said proposed drilling near her neighborhood keeps her up at night.

"I'd like to see those wells nowhere near our homes," said Lambright. "We do not have enough third party verified specific data that can ensure that our air quality is not being compromised, that our water quality is not being compromised."

Salazar met with neighbors to discuss a new bill that he claims would hold oil and gas companies accountable.

"What this bill says is that as a result of these oil and gas operations, if you harm a person or harm their property, you're going to be liable for that," said Salazar.

He said it would require companies to compensate for damage or injuries that occur when accessing underground minerals.

"It's just the same kind of standard that every other industry in Colorado is under."

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates fracking, proposed two new rules last year that are designed to minimize the disruption that energy companies cause to communities.

Some in the energy field believe the proposals are too restrictive. The Oil and Gas Commission hasn't commented on the proposed bill.

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