While Washington County and other Counties have enacted regulations of fracture drilling to secure the health, safety and property values of the residents, the BOCC of Elbert County has recently turned down regulations developed for that purpose, citing contradiction with State regulations, an ineffectiveness of the regulations to achieve their purpose and existing laws which provide for those securities, and especially fears that enacting such regulations would result in expensive, lengthy lawsuits from the State of Colorado. Now, it appears that the Sierra Club will be stepping in to ensure that the County protects the people, animals, land, air and water of Elbert County. While the Democrats of Elbert County encourage the people to attend the next Commissioners’ meeting on August 28 and continue to voice their opinions, the Commissioners are not required to heed their constituents and place the issue of regulation before the People at the next election. And it does not appear that a majority of Elbertonians approve the regulation of fracture drilling as proposed. A straw poll of the Herald at local gathering places, including the Canyon Trail Grill and other popular businesses in Elizabeth and Kiowa, indicated that people felt enough laws were in place to protect Elbert County’s resources – if they were enforced. For their part, the Sierra Club has commented that it will first begin by asking the Commissioners to consider adopting the Oil and Gas regulations proposed by the Planning Committee, and has also asked its members and friends to so as well (even setting up an automated form at goo.gl/OgWJ04) Citing considerable danger from the 17% of spills that contaminate groundwater, and an average of more than a spill per day, the Sierra Club believes “it is essential that local governments enact and enforce reasonable regulations before allowing drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to proceed near homes, farms, and schools,” said Lauren Swain, of the Sierra Club. And, with consensus building that more regulations will not get the old regulations enforced any better, and the Sierra Club already anticipating the BOCC ignoring further pleas for adoption by preparing for what appears to be a massive campaign in Elbert County, it may be time for the Commissioners to turn their attentions toward coming to terms with the fact that they are accountable to the People for ensuring compliance with law. Those interested in joining the Sierra Club’s efforts may contact Lauren Swain, at [email protected] .
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 00:51:49 +0000
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