20 Feb ICYMI – Important News Stories from the Last Few Weeks

Feb. 20, 2014 –

From time to time, we’re going to bring you some relevant news clips about what CHC has been up to, new reports or studies, and oil and gas development in the region or from across Colorado and the country. Here’s a few clips from the last few weeks and links to learn more.

Crested Butte News: Suit Filed Against Forest Service to Prevent Piecemeal Development of National Forest

Citizens for a Healthy Community and High Country Citizens’ Alliance, represented by the Western Environmental Law Center, filed suit challenging the federal government’s approval of a new natural gas development in the Gunnison National Forest without conducting the legally required analysis of environmental impacts. The plan calls for as many as five gas wells near the Little Henderson Creek, part of the headwaters of the North Fork of the Gunnison River.  READ MORE.

Denver Post: New Poll Finds Growing Support for Public Lands

The new poll from Colorado College found strong support for public lands and conservation across the West. Nearly two-thirds of Coloradans side with those who want stronger standards on drilling in place with none allowed near recreational areas, water sources and important wildlife habitat. READ MORE. Colorado Analysis from Colorado College.

Christian Science Monitor: Fracking poses water threat in drought-stricken states

In the West, the oil and gas industry has chosen some of the most drought-prone areas for water-intensive fracking. It is unlikely they will be able to obtain enough water to produce what they’ve planned. In some places drilling has begun to dry up important underground aquifers, affecting agricultural water supplies. READ MORE.

NPR: Montana residents see troubling impacts from oil and gas boom

In Montana, organized crime is just one of the many negative impacts of the oil and gas boom.  Sex trafficking, lower cattle fertility, air pollution, traffic and higher crime rates concern long-term residents. READ MORE.

NY Times: Transporting oil and gas by train causes surge in accidents

There isn’t enough infrastructure to ship oil and gas by pipeline, so the oil and gas industry has turned to railroads. Shipping volatile products takes specially built rail cars and there aren’t enough specialty rail cars to go around. The oil and gas industry currently uses rail cars not built for that purpose, creating dangerous situations. READ MORE.