GWEN LACHELT is the Democratic Party candidate for the 2nd District seat on the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. Read KELLIE HOTTER's response inside.
Incumbent County Commissioner KELLIE HOTTER, facing Lachelt's challenge and incapacitated by a household accident, communicated with MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME by email.
In response to this question:
Given that “The relative fortunes of the United States, Russia and China – and their ability to exert influence in the world – are tied in no small measure to global gas developments,” according to Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in a report published this summer, do you believe the geo-political goals of the United States in relation to energy development in SW Colorado and specifically in La Plata County supercede and/or take precedence over the rights of local landowners and residents?
This quote from the website foodandwaterwatch.com:
“Fracking is inherently unsafe and we cannot rely on regulation to protect communities' water, air and public health. The industry enjoys exemptions from key federal legislation protecting our air and water, thanks to aggressive lobbying and cozy relationships with our federal decision-makers. The gas and oil industry is aggressively clamping down on local and state efforts to regulate fracking by buying influence and even bringing lawsuits to stop them from being implemented. That's why fracking can't be made safer through government oversight or regulations. An all-out ban on fracking is the only way to protect our communities.”
And this question:
What policies can you, as county commissioner, effect to safeguard the physical safety as well as other rights of landowners and residents of La Plata County with regard to gas and oil development now and in the future?
Hotter responded by email:
“Gov. Hickenlooper as well as Gov. Ritter have both stated that we have not one instance of contamination in Colorado associated with fracking.
“'Colorado's Oil & Gas Rules are the fairest and most transparent set of fracking regulations in the country and is serving as a model for other states. We believe oil and gas development can thrive while also meeting our high standards for protection of public health, water and environment,' Hickenlooper said.
“'The great thing about horizontal drilling and fracking-it's opening up an entire universe of opportunities,' Hickenlooper said. 'The rest of the world will soon wake up and discover that fracking isn't dangerous.'
“Former Gov. Bill Ritter, who served from 2007 to 2011, and currently directs the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University, said, 'The stakes are high with increasing pressure to spark economic growth, wean the U.S. off its dependence on foreign oil, and comply with federal air quality standards.
'It is also why I'm such a strong advocate for the important role natural gas must play in America's clean energy future. Colorado is blessed with abundant gas reserves. Its production has been a critical part of our economy for years, providing good jobs and economic opportunities throughout our state. It's the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, emitting far less carbon and other dangerous pollutants than coal.
'We insisted that tighter rules were needed to protect air, water, wildlife and community values, all the while knowing that production and protection can co-exist.
'Natural gas has many applications, for utilities, transportation and other energy needs. It can and must be a major part of our energy future -- along with wind, solar, biofuels, clean coal, nuclear, energy efficiency measures, and other technologies. Natural gas development is a part of doing what we know we must do: transition to a clean energy economy for the 21st century.'”
Hotter wrote, “I agree with the positions stated above. As is Colorado, La Plata County is a leader in proactive regulations protecting the public health, water and environment. It is essential that we have strict standards protecting our water quality. La Plata County has a very successful water well testing program that began in April of 2000 with over 3300 wells tested. We have compiled the best water well testing data in the nation and subsequently Colorado has now incorporated our model into their COGCC rules – rule Number 608B. We have no instances of contamination due to fracking. It is a shame that activist groups use hysteria and misinformation to instill fear in the public. Something does not have to be true to make the accusation.
“LPC is also a leader in fighting for the rights if surface owners, residents and neighborhood concerns. We have worked with many other entities in numerous meetings throughout the years to ensure that LPC residents are protected. I care deeply about clean air, water quality and land use. We have been successful in balancing landowner and mineral owner property rights including requiring green completions to eliminate venting of natural gas, well pad sharing which minimizes surface disturbances, environmental impacts and road damage, and we have recently changed our code to enable residents to appeal well pad locations directly to the BOCC.
“It is our job to take a balanced and responsible approach to energy development in La Plata County and we take this very seriously. We believe oil and gas development can thrive while also meeting our high standards of protection.”
