By Jen Palazzolo
Governor Hickenlooper’s Task Force appears to be nothing short of a façade.
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How can this Task Force be meaningful when as a representative of the grassroots organization, Coalition for a Clean Colorado, I asked that we be granted a seat at the table to represent the people most affected by these operations, and was denied.
The Task Force is made up of five government officials, two COGCC commissioners, the President of the Colorado Petroleum Association, the CEO of COGA, and the Presidents of both Colorado Municpal League and Colorado Counties, Inc. The only person remotely representative of the people is Barbara Green from the Colorado Conservation Voters.
Being denied representation of the people is only the first blatant disregard for individuals directly affected by the task force’s goals and outcomes. The second; no public comment of any kind at these meetings. You are welcome to email your comments but they are not read into record, just given to the Task Force to read.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has failed miserably to enforce its own rules and to prevent adverse environmental and human health impacts. The health, welfare, safety and environment of millions of Coloradans are impacted by the oil and gas industry through the air we breathe, water we drink and a myriad of other ways. It is difficult to give any merit to this Task Force when these issues are not being addressed and the voice of the people not being heard.
The goal of the Task Force is to “clarify” the roles of state and local governments in regulating drilling. The task force is aiming to settle conflicts between the state and local governments when it comes to regulating oil and gas drilling. The task force was formed the immediate day following the victory for the people of Erie, CO in an unanimous vote to impose a 180 day moratorium to protect it’s citizens and to absorb all of the documentation that Erie Rising was presenting to the town revealing potential dangers to citizens.
Hinkenloopers history of siding with Oil and Gas to the extent of even representing the Industry in a recent add, lends much concern for his motives and lack of offering free speech into these meetings which move potentially limit the voices and desires of mothers and fathers of the children who will be most effected.
Resources:
Read more:Gov. Hickenlooper forms task force to address Colorado drilling regulations – The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_20075367#ixzz1qCwld3ij
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