Posted 8 months, 27 days ago in 
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The Energy Expo in Grand Junction this weekend would be better if it was not dominated so much by the gas industry.
Did we trust these companies to drill in our backyards? Unfortunately, yes. Colorado has allowed these companies to come in and extract natural gas from private and public lands. They promised to be good neighbors and drill responsibly. As it turns out, these companies have not been responsible in their drilling practices.
Severe health concerns and pollution problems exist in many areas on the Western Slope as a result of bad drilling practices. That is why rules and regulations are needed. We need to protect the land that we live on and the water that we drink. Energy jobs are not disappearing due to the proposed rules and regulations that are now being considered by the Colorado Legislature. The gas companies are pulling out to go drill in new areas such as the Dakotas and other places where their practices will go unchallenged, at least for a while.
So, do not depend on the gas companies and the oil shale companies for stable employment. They are here today-gone tomorrow. Look for green jobs. That is where the future is.
Help save your health, your life, and your land. Tell your legislative representative to support the rules and regulations for the gas industry today.
RANDY FRICKE
Interim President
The Grand Valley Citizens Alliance
New Castle
4 Responses to “Energy Expo shouldn’t be dominated by gas industry”
Posted March 1st, 2009 at 2:09 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
It appears that most, if not all, of the pro-drilling goings-on locally lately have been part of a well- organized propaganda blast by the drilling industry and its supporters. Notice the sequence of events: a “press conference” about the dire state of the drilling industry due to the “uncertainty” of the proposed regulations, then an expensive and tightly-controlled, pro-industry “Teleforum Town Hall Meeting” put on by the pro-drilling County commissioners and aided and abetted by a Republican political advocacy group in Denver. Then an “Energy Expo” is put on that showcases extractive industries.
And it’s no wonder local government has turned into a public relations machine for the drilling industry: Craig Meis has financial ties to the drilling industry, and Janet Rowland announced her intent last year to start a public relations firm and take drilling companies as clients. What’s truly amazing here is that the Sentinel has not investigated these goings-on and exposed the extent to which the County and drilling companies are working hand in glove to try and convince the populace to reject regulations to protect the environment, safety and welfare of western slope landowners and citizens.
The real story here is the utter failure of the Commissioners to learn from the area’s history and assure there is adequate diversification of the business/industrial base of the local economy so we aren’t beholden to the ups and downs of extractive industries.
Posted March 1st, 2009 at 2:35 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Yo! What you said.
Posted March 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Sagebrush,
You are assuming a lot of facts not in evidence. I believe that Commissioner Rowland was asked what plans she might have if she failed to be re-elected, however her overwhelming victory made the story irrelevant. She has not to my knowledge started any such business, and she never said anything about “drilling companies as clients”. That was invented by those who constantly try to discredit her. If you look at all of the time (outside of the Commissioners office which is over 40 hours a week) that she gives to the community, you will note that there are only a few hours left and she might use those for sleeping.
Just because you don’t like someone or don’t agree with them personally should not foster inaccurate data about said person. It rather takes away from any argument credibility the rest of your post might have.
Posted March 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am Login to Send PM Report this comment
Sagebrush,
Here’s to ya………..
I agree 100%.
Rowland DID mention that she would have drilling companies as clients, heck she has been establishing that relationship for years. Thankfully, she and Meis won’t be commissioners forever. Don’t kid yourself, she paving her road.
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