Boulder County Limits Anti-Fracking Activists

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Boulder County commissioners say they will prosecute any demonstrators who disrupt meetings after anti-fracking protesters disrupted a meeting and criticized other witnesses.

In a statement issued Wednesday, commissioners said they are creating a security plan for future hearings to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome and everyone is heard.

Commissioners cited "a bullying atmosphere" and attempts to intimidate other witnesses for the need to create stronger security policies after Tuesday's meeting, where some witnesses were harassed and jeered.

Opponents want the county to ban fracking, saying the procedure blasting water, sand and chemicals underground to free oil and natural gas is unsafe. Supporters say the procedure is safe and the state has sufficient regulations in place to protect the public.

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