Watch CBS News

Drilling OK In Erie Again After Moratorium Expires

ERIE, Colo. (CBS4) - Oil and gas drilling will be allowed again in Erie after the town agreed to let a temporary ban expire.

The Erie Board of Trustees agreed to let a six-month moratorium expire on fracking after an agreement was reached with energy companies on tough new regulations.

Hydraulic fracturing breaks apart underground rock containing gas and oils so they can be collected.

Opponents, including many parents in Erie, wanted the moratorium extended until state health officials finished an air quality study at a well site near an elementary school.

The new requirements include building containment berms and a ban on hazardous drilling chemicals.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.