Not Protestors, Protectors: Gov. John Hickenlooper, Colorado has been reckless in its development of shale gas reserves, say anti-fracking activists
Anti-fracking activists in Denver Colorado have erected a 20 foot mock wooden oil derrick in front of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper’s mansion in a posh Denver neighborhood demanding an end to the practice in their state.
A mother and daughter from the frack impacted community of Loveland, CO have chained themselves to the oil rig in protest, while another anti-fracking activist is perched atop it. Loudspeakers have been mounted to the top of the platform, projecting the personal stories of citizens who’ve been harmed by fracking.
Under Hickenlooper, Colorado has been reckless in its development of shale gas reserves. Over 55,000 wells are currently in production and industry’s cozy relationship with the governor continues to maintain business as usual.
Across the country thousands of instances of health and safety impacts have been reported in relation to the controversial extraction process. While states such as New York and Maryland have taken a cautious approach, Colorado has been reckless in its development of shale gas reserves. State studies of the impact from the Colorado School of Public Health, NOAA, and others were instrumental in New York’s decision to ban fracking earlier this year.
Since 2012 Colorado communities have passed five fracking bans and moratoria via ballot initiative, while being hugely outspent by the oil and gas industry. Governor Hickenlooper and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association have issued lawsuits attempting to overturn the results of the democratic process. The cases are now on appeal and will be decided on by the Colorado Supreme Court.
The fight between the oil and gas industry and communities in Colorado is escalating. Ordinary people are taking to the streets to challenge fracking and shale development. Now is the time for our voices to be heard in standing against this dangerous practice.