Colorado Governor Jared Polis is under fire after a huge drilling project was approved in the state’s backyard.
Colorado’s Oil Bombshell
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In a move that’s sparking huge backlash, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has just approved a hugely controversial large-scale drilling project near the Aurora Reservoir.
166 Wells, 32,000 Acres
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The plan by Denver-based company Crestone Resources, involves drilling up to 166 oil and gas wells across 32,000 acres, including the state-owned Lowry Ranch.
Electric Dreams
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Although Crestone must use electric-powered equipment to minimize air pollution and noise, residents and environmental activists aren’t happy in the slightest.
From Ghost Town to Boomtown
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Let’s rewind a bit. When Crestone got its hands on Lowry Ranch in 2012, the surrounding area was a ghost town – hardly any homes, just open land. Fast forward to 2024 and there are over 12,000 homes in the local area.
Rude Awakening
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Residents have essentially woken up to find out that their peaceful neighborhood might soon be chock full of drilling rigs and industrial noise – no wonder hundreds of people showed up at a public hearing earlier this year to voice their anger.
Communities Battle Big Oil
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People are furious, and the project has become the latest battleground between energy companies looking to cash in and communities fighting to protect their homes and health.
Toxic Skies
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Residents aren’t just worried about the noise and pollution from the digging – the environmental impact is predicted to be huge. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has warned that the air pollution could be worse than the emissions from all the cars and trucks across the Front Range – and that’s just the start.
Earthquakes and Contamination on the Horizon?
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We’re talking about everything from the risk of earthquakes to the contamination of the Aurora Reservoir – a critical water source for the entire area.
Thirsty Wells
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Let’s talk about that water for a second. The amount of water Crestone plans to use for this project is immense: 20 million gallons per well. You read that right – per well.
Boulder’s Six-Month Supply
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They’re planning to drill 166 of these things, which means they’ll be sucking up more water than the entire city of Boulder uses in six months. But where’s all this water going to come from? The answer has angered people – the already overused Colorado River.
Ticking Time Bombs
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And let’s not forget the potential for spills and explosions. Environmental experts are warning there could be a serious threat to the community and the environment.
Green Washing or Game Changer?
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Crestone and the ECMC are calling the requirements for electric-powered rigs as a win for the environment, arguing it will reduce noise and cut down on toxic emissions. But environmental groups and local residents aren’t buying it.
Too Close for Comfort
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While electric rigs are quieter and cleaner than traditional ones, when you’re drilling this close to homes, schools, and a major reservoir, no amount of electrification is going to help.
Dancing with Danger
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Crestone has also promised to avoid drilling under the nearby Lowry Landfill Superfund site, but locals aren’t buying that as a victory either. The landfill – a hazardous waste site – sits incredibly close to the drilling area, so it’s not exactly a comfort to know that one wrong move could unleash a whole new set of problems.
Wildlife in the Crosshairs
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It’s not just the air quality that has people worried; there’s also the issue of local wildlife. Lowry Ranch is home to several endangered species and environmentalists are warning that this drilling project could push them even closer to extinction.
Double Standards
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Residents have already been banned from parts of the area to protect these animals, but apparently this doesn’t apply to huge drilling operations.
Crestone’s Uphill Climb
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While Crestone might be breathing a sigh of relief now that they’ve got the ECMC’s approval, this fight is far from over. They still need to get the green light for each specific well, and also local approval from Arapahoe County.
Community Fights Back
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Local groups like Save the Aurora Reservoir (STAR) have come together to fight every step of the way. They’ve hired lawyers and gathered support from environmental organizations across the state – and they’ve got some big names on their side.
30 Groups Demand Action
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Just this week, 30 environmental groups sent a letter to Governor Jared Polis, asking him to take a stand against the project. They argue that this kind of large-scale drilling is exactly what Colorado should be moving away from – especially in an area that’s already struggling with severe ozone pollution.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Photos SS.
