This week I saw a provocative film chronicling the the disturbing proliferation of natural gas drilling in Western Colorado. While I am an advocate of finding ways to wean ourselves off foreign oil dependence, I do know we have to hold oil and gas companies to a higher standard when they come to our communities. Currently most laws and regulations favor the gas companies and it is incumbent upon individuals to join together in effort to raise our voice and be heard. Carbondale, CO is about to have major fight on our hands and we need to be ready when the natural gas leases in Thompson Creek are activated. The current methods and tactics used to extract natural gas are not acceptable by any standard. Technology exists for safer mineral extraction and gas companies need to comply as well as invest in future technologies. Until we hold them to a higher standard, they will continue their unmitigated process. There are success stories in which strong coalitions were formed, baseline standards for air and water quality were established and local and national politicians were informed. The film Split Estate is a fantastic documentary about the realities of this difficult situation.
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