Gas drilling on open space is a violation of public trust

Gas drilling on open space is a violation of public trust by Jim Wilson, August 3, 2012, The Daily Camera
The recent report that Boulder County will be allowing Encana Oil and Gas to destroy open space lands in order to drill for gas utilizing the heavy industrial process called fracking for a mere few thousand dollars is a violation of the public trust. Open space lands are paid for by the taxpayers for a very specific reason – public enjoyment. Permitting a heavy industry to essentially destroy that land, even temporarily, is unacceptable. Permitting [an] industry that has a proven track record of serious spills, air quality degredation and other public health concerns (all proven on their own websites) is unconscionable. The argument that we have no choice is far from reality. Public health trumps everything when it comes to land use. Fracking is a proven public health concern regardless of what the industry may propagandize. … Contact the Commissioners and Ron Stewart today and demand that Encana be stopped.