Collaborative effort needed on gas issues

Recently, I attended the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s field hearing at Two Rivers Convention Center and was
greatly encouraged by the number of people in attendance.

Both sides of the energy debate were represented and addressed the commission, although many times with misinformation and emotion rather than educated facts. Given the nature of the topic, emotions can run very deep, so it is imperative we all use good sense and judgment when dealing with energy-related issues.

Contrary to popular belief, every energy-industry worker is not an overpaid, under-skilled redneck bent on destroying the
environment, water supply and wildlife. Conversely, every environmentalist is not a rabid, fern-feeling, granola muncher destined to send our society back to the dark ages.

Personally, as an energy-industry employee, I like little more than being far removed from civilization in Colorado’s mountains, surrounded by wildlife, with a great big bag of granola in my pack. I also work every day with dedicated men and women who are proud to bring to market the energy we all take for granted. Additionally, as an avid hunter and outdoorsman, I’d wager my feet have trod more miles of Colorado’s backcountry than most people who proudly refer to themselves as environmentalists.
My point is that working together is the key to the continuation of the industry, economic prosperity and environmental conservation we enjoy in Colorado. The voice of the environment and wildlife cannot be represented by a select few, nor can the voice of the energy industry.

Within our industry we must recognize our responsibility as neighbors and stewards. Outside the industry, you must recognize the positive impact and benefit from those of us working hard to improve everyone’s way of life and the overall economy, not to mention the tax base utilized to maintain the environmental heritage we all enjoy.

Together, we can reach common ground. Furthermore, we are far better served working together than having government approach us with outstretched arms proclaiming, “We’re here to help.”

BRAD STEIG
Fruita

New Rio Blanco ‘fee’is a form of extortion

You can call it a “fee” if it makes you feel better. The way I see it, the so-called “impact fee” in Rio Blanco County is just another method of taxation. If you want to build something — a gas well, house or a store — you’re going to pay this tax. If you’ve got money to do anything in this county, you’ve got to give some to us first.

If that’s not extortion, it’s pretty close to it. What a racket. If you want to build a house on your own property, you have to pay this tax.

Will you get a refund on this when the county starts receiving property taxes that your so-called impact is going to generate in years to come?

It makes me sad government takes advantage of us. One day soon, there will be another revolution.

KELLY CLAUSSEN
Grand Junction

Dems support unions at expense of workers

How unfortunate is it that the Democratic Party has decided to overlook the best interests of working-class voters and eliminate democracy in the workplace?

Virtually every Democratic candidate this year, including Mark Udall and Barack Obama, is pushing for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which is a massive handout to organized labor. EFCA would eliminate the private-ballot vote when unionizing a workplace and put in place a system where workers could be intimidated and pressured into signing petitions for unionization.
This system would allow union membership — and thus union revenue from dues dollars — to soar nationwide. Those dues dollars would be funneled right back into the campaigns of the unions’ Democratic supporters.

Udall should join the 87 percent of Americans who oppose this legislation and support supervised private ballot elections instead of pandering to his union funders.

LOIS DUNN
Grand Junction

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at 3:47 pm and is filed under Printed letters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.