I joined the Glenwood Springs (Colo.) Post Independent as a county and energy reporter on Dec. 5, 2007. Here are some of the stories I have produced so far:
Waste pit problems could lead to fines
Dec. 26, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RULISON — State oil and gas regulators have proposed levying fines of $138,000 against a company that allegedly failed to prevent melting snow from overflowing waste pits near the Project Rulison blast site, state records show.
The proposed fines against Presco Inc., which sold its interests in western Garfield County to Houston-based Noble Energy, stem from May 2007 inspections COGCC staff conducted at Presco drilling sites near the Project Rulison blast site in the Battlement Mesa area. That is where the Atomic Energy Commission detonated a 43-kiloton nuclear weapon 8,426 feet below the ground in a 1969 experiment to free-up natural gas.
Lawsuit filed to force hearing
Dec. 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RULISON — Landowners near the Project Rulison nuclear blast site have filed a lawsuit against state oil and gas regulators to “establish the rights of interested persons” to receive a hearing over the approval of drilling permit applications.
Residents who live near the blast site, where the government detonated a 43-kiloton nuclear weapon 8426 feet below the ground in 1969, have been seeking a hearing over applications for permits to drill (APDs) within three miles of the blast site since the beginning of this year.
Company outlines Garfield Creek drilling plans for 09
Dec. 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — Denver-based Orion Energy Partners plans to drill six wells in the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area next year, company representatives said Tuesday night.
And If those wells are successful, Orion plans to drill many more wells from four well pads it is planning to have in the wildlife area.
Gas industry, state environmental groups support Salazar
Dec. 17, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Members of environmental groups and oil and gas trade organizations in Colorado have given the thumbs up to the news that U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar is expected to become Interior secretary.
However, some environmental groups outside of Colorado assailed Salazar’s apparent selection as head of the Interior Department.
McInnis discusses Salazar appointment
Dec. 17, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis was mum about his political future on Tuesday in the wake of reports that U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., is expected to become the next Interior secretary.
“Who knows how the chairs fall,” he said Tuesday of the political consequences of Salazar’s move and Colo. Gov. Bill Ritter’s eventual appointment of his successor. “It has got big ripple effects, and how that plays out really kind of determines what the future looks like.”
Oil shale remains in the cross hairs
Dec. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Bureau of Land Management’s oil shale royalty structure hasn’t altered three companies’ plans to continue with oil shale research in the Piceance Basin.
When the royalty rates were announced in November, Shell Exploration and Production had said it was hoping for a lower royalty figure “that would be more conducive to get a startup industry off the ground.”
Oil shale: Groups looking to Obama administration for help in 2009
Dec. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Twenty-one conservation and environmental groups have requested that the incoming Obama administration withdraw recently released commercial oil shale regulations.
The groups asked Carol Browner, who heads President-elect Barack Obama’s Energy and Environment Policy Working Group and who has been picked to coordinate energy policy from the White House, to withdraw the regulations and review current oil shale policy largely because the research and development program for oil shale extraction “remains in its infancy.”
Legislators consider revision of oil and gas rules OK’d this week
Dec. 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Several state legislators are already working on plans to possibly revise rules that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) unanimously approved this week.
State Rep.-elect Laura Bradford, R-Collbran, said Thursday that she and other legislators are in “the absolute middle of the first draft” of a legislative proposal to address the rules.
“This is about jobs,” she said. “This is not a time to be chasing any industry out of the state. We are concerned about the stability of the energy companies.”
More drillers to cut back Piceance drilling operations
Dec. 5, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Several more oil and gas companies have outlined preliminary plans to cut back their drilling operations on the Western Slope.
During a Northwest Colorado Oil and Gas Forum meeting in Rifle on Thursday, more operators announced plans to cut back or slow down the pace of their drilling in the Piceance Basin — a gas rich formation that stretches across Mesa, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
Boom makes it harder for other businesses to thrive
Dec. 4, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A new study indicates that the natural gas boom on the Western Slope has made it harder for other sectors of the regional economy to thrive.
Those business segments — such as the service, professional, construction and tourism — helped the local economy recover from the oil shale bust of the early 1980s and currently sustain most households on the Western Slope, according a report from Headwaters Economics, a Bozeman-Mont. nonprofit research group.
Environmental groups threaten to file suit over oil shale decisions
Nov. 25, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The same day the U.S. Department of the Interior finalized two major oil shale moves last week, six environmental groups sent a sharply worded letter to the head of the agency threatening to file a lawsuit.
The groups, in their letter, say the Interior Department violated federal law by not allowing the public to protest land use amendments that opened up 2 million acres in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah to potential oil shale development.
Working to bring the focus to Western Slope issues
Nov. 23, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Rep. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison, said she plans to use her new leadership role in the state House to “keep Western Slope issues on the radar screen” during next year’s legislative session.
In an interview with the Glenwood Springs Post Independent last week, Curry outlined some of the goals and priorities for when legislators return to Denver on Jan. 7. Many of her priorities center around oil and gas development in the state.
Companies scale back drilling plans for Garfield County’s Piceance Basin
Nov. 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The upward surge in drilling in Garfield County may be heading for a plateau.
Largely because of lower natural gas prices, problems affecting the financial markets, limited pipeline capacity and the possibility of new state oil and gas rules, several natural gas companies in the area are looking at their drilling plans in the Piceance Basin with concern.
Gas rules could affect drilling in Garfield County’s Piceance Basin
Nov. 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) may approve revised oil and gas rules in early December.
But already some companies operating in the Piceance Basin have indicated the proposed rules, which include several wildlife, health and permitting process revisions, are a factor leading them to scrutinize their investment plans for the Piceance Basin next year.
Oil shale decisions could affect Garfield County
Nov. 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — The Bureau of Land Management released final commercial oil shale regulations on Monday, a move that some Democrats in Colorado’s congressional delegation recently sought to block.
A U.S. Department of Interior official also signed a record of decision on Monday that opened up about 2 million acres across Colorado, Utah and Wyoming to commercial oil shale development.
Lease lacks guard against surface disturbance
Nov. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — A federal lease underneath the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area that a company is planning to develop does not contain a mandated requirement that guards against surface disturbances, Colorado Division of Wildlife officials said Friday.
The discovery has the state wildlife agency concerned that other Bureau of Land Management-controlled leases within the wildlife habitat and across the area may not have the surface protection, said Randy Hampton, a spokesman for the DOW.
Wildlife area south of New Castle may see more gas wells
Nov. 7, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — An exploratory well punched into the middle of the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area has uncorked commercial levels of natural gas, according to officials with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).
It is a development that has led Denver-based Orion Energy Partners, the company behind the well, to propose three more well pads in the deer and elk habitat south of New Castle, said DOW spokesman Randy Hampton. State wildlife officials learned of the well’s success during a meeting with Orion officials last week.
Sen. Salazar says BLM may see significant changes under Obama
Nov. 6, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Coloradans may expect to see significant changes in how the Bureau of Land Management oversees drilling on federal lands in a future Barack Obama presidential administration, Sen. Ken Salazar said Wednesday.
The senator, in comments to reporters Wednesday, also seemed to dismiss speculation that he might accept a position as head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, calling the possibility “highly doubtful.”
“Representing my state of Colorado as a United States senator is a blessing and a privilege, and I believe my work has just begun,” said Salazar, adding that he would make sure the Obama transition team considers a Westerner to be the head of the Interior Department.
The senator, in comments to reporters Wednesday, also seemed to dismiss speculation that he might accept a position as head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, calling the possibility “highly doubtful.”
“Representing my state of Colorado as a United States senator is a blessing and a privilege, and I believe my work has just begun,” said Salazar, adding that he would make sure the Obama transition team considers a Westerner to be the head of the Interior Department.
Fighting for the Roan
Oct. 30, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Colorado Democratic congressional candidate John Salazar said Wednesday that if he is re-elected, it’s his hope that he and others in the Colorado delegation may continue the “fight” over the Roan Plateau.
Although leases for drilling in the area have been issued, there may be a possibility for a new administration and reorganized Congress to possibly change the drilling plan for the Roan, according to an attorney representing 10 environmental groups involved in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management over the future of the area.
Obama talks energy issues
Oct. 27, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
DENVER — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said a top priority he has for future oil and gas development in Colorado and across the American West would be to increase federal collaboration with communities and groups touched by drilling.
Another goal would be to maintain the sustainability of resources caught up in the development of Western lands, he said Sunday.
Obama outlined his philosophy for future drilling in the United States during a brief interview with the Glenwood Springs Post Independent after he spoke in front of about 145,000 people in Civic Center Park in Denver.
Garfield County races see about $46K of outside money
Oct. 27, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – Five groups from outside Garfield County have spent about $45,700 in the last two months to sway voters in this year’s two county commissioner races.
State campaign finance reports, court documents and local advertising rate cards show that three of the outside groups have connections to the several active state GOP members.
Drilling company exec donates $20K to support GOP Garfield County commissioner candidates
Oct. 27, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – The chairman and chief executive officer of a company drilling in the area helped fund television and radio ads in support of two Republican Garfield County commissioner candidates.
Paul Rady, who is chairman of Denver-based Antero Resources Corp., said this week that he was the one who gave the money to Western Heritage, a recently created 527 political organization.
That group later spent $10,000 on a media campaign to support Republican candidates John Martin, a three-term incumbent, and Mike Samson, Rifle High School’s dean of students. Candidates have no control over 527 groups, which are formed to advocate for or against candidates and are named after a section of IRS code that grants them tax-exempt status.
527 spending money to support Samson, Martin
Oct. 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Western Heritage, a 527 political action group, is spending thousands of dollars on a media campaign that includes television and radio ads in support of Republican Garfield County commissioner candidates John Martin and Mike Samson, state records and interviews show.
Most of the money the 527 group currently has comes from Paul Randy, who lists an address out of Palisade and is the chairman of Orion Energy, according to state campaign records
The Wilderness Society appeals to Secretary of Interior to withdraw proposed oil shale plans
Oct. 10, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Wilderness Society has asked the U.S. Department of the Interior to withdraw proposed plans that would open up about 360,000 acres in Colorado to possible oil shale development. The group made its request in a letter to Dirk Kempthorne, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, this week.
The group’s appeal largely stems from concerns that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hasn’t allowed the public a chance to protest or allow governors to perform a consistency review of a final programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) about potential oil shale and tar sands development in the American West.
Animal shelter takes in 86 cats seized from Battlement Mesa residence
Oct. 3, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Three cats lay curled up next to each other in a tiny cage at the Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) shelter.
None of the cats in that small crate took a sip of water or nibbled at food they had been offered hours before. One cat’s paw seemed to shake and quiver in anxiety.
“They are freaked out,” said Leslie Rockey, the executive director of CARE. “They are not eating at all.”
The sensation that cat felt was probably shared by the 85 other cats and kittens that Garfield County Sheriff’s animal control officers brought to the shelter Wednesday afternoon. All those felines were discovered at one residence in Battlement Mesa, according to CARE staff.
EnCana agrees to pay $36K fine
Oct. 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) reached an agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) earlier this month to pay a $36,326 fine for an alleged 2006 storm-water violation in Garfield County.
That is the largest storm-water violation fine connected to oil and gas development on the Western Slope, according to the CDPHE.
Roan Plateau protests dismissed, leases issued
Sept. 30, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The Bureau of Land Management on Monday issued leases for future drilling on the Roan Plateau following a U.S. Department of Interior decision to reject protests filed against the sale of those parcels.
The same day the BLM announced the dismissal of the Roan protests, 10 environmental groups filed a motion in federal court seeking to block the BLM from issuing those disputed Roan leases.
Garfield County commissioner candidates decry smear tactics
Sept. 26, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A political mailer sent to area residents that blasts Garfield County commissioner candidate Steve Carter has him and his challenger calling the ad a “smear” tactic.
Carter, a Democrat, and Mike Samson, his Republican opponent, both expressed surprise and disgust at the ad, which was recently mailed to area voters. Carter said the ad was addressed to independent and Republican voters.
The political mailer calls Carter a “Boulder liberal” and argues that he is planning to “greedily spend millions more of your tax dollars.” The “Boulder liberal” tag is a phrase Republicans have used to criticize U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, who is running against Bob Schaffer to replace Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo.
Oil shale regulations ban set to expire
Sept. 25, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A ban that prohibited the Bureau of Land Management from finalizing commercial oil shale regulations will fade away later this month.
The completion of those regulations, along with an expected record of decision that will open about 360,000 acres in Colorado to possible oil shale development, could open the door to a potential sale of federal oil shale leases in the state. However, BLM officials say that it could be years before any lease sale occurs.
Report finds ‘acute problem with toxic emissions’ from natural gas development in Garfield County
Sept. 23, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Current data suggests that there is an “acute problem with toxic emissions” from natural gas development, which could signify an “emergent problem for the health” of Garfield County residents, a recently released report said.
A group of seven researchers from the University of Colorado-Denver and Colorado State University said in a report that there are “major gaps” in the past assessment of air and water quality associated with oil and gas development on the Western Slope.
But “air and water quality studies conducted to date indicate that potential exposures to hazardous emissions exist” for Garfield County residents, the report said.
Feds defend BLM’s Roan Plateau drilling plan
Sept. 19, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Bureau of Land Management’s drilling plan for the Roan Plateau Planning Area does not violate federal environmental law, U.S. Department of Justice attorneys argued in court documents filed earlier this week.
The government, in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 10 environmental groups in July, denied allegations that the BLM’s plan for natural gas development on the Roan Plateau violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), court documents show.
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules may be a model for other states
Sept. 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) members’ tentative endorsement of several new rules last week and last month may garner the attention of several states as they look to regulate the ongoing energy boom in the American West, the head of the agency said Friday.
Dave Neslin, acting director of the COGCC, said several states may look to Colorado about how to regulate that energy boom after the commission’s initial endorsement of several rules that he said “mark some new approaches on some issues.”
Garfield County commissioner hopefuls have differing views on impact fees
Sept. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Two Garfield County commissioner candidates have come out in support of implementing impact fees for each new drilled well in Garfield County.
Their support comes about two months after Rio Blanco County began charging natural gas companies between $10,000 to $18,000 for every new well they punch in the ground.
BLM finalizes oil shale leasing plan
Sept. 5, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Bureau of Land Management has finalized a plan that would open up about 359,800 acres in northwest Colorado to potential commercial oil shale leasing.
About 2 million acres in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah would be available for oil shale leasing under a land-use plan described in a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS), which was published in the Federal Register on Thursday. Colorado’s oil shale deposits are concentrated in Garfield, Rio Blanco and Mesa counties.
The BLM will wait at least 60 days after publication of the PEIS before it issues a record of decision approving those land-use changes.
Udall talks energy during visit
Aug. 24, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GARFIELD COUNTY — U.S. Senate candidate Mark Udall said Saturday that he will continue to fight to keep a ban in place that blocks the Bureau of Land Management from issuing final oil shale leasing regulations.
In recent weeks, Republicans have criticized Udall, a Democrat who represents Colorado’s second congressional district, and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., for their support of that measure. President Bush argued on Saturday that the ban should be scrapped.
BLM defers Garfield Creek drilling leases
Aug. 22, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — The Bureau of Land Management is expected to continue to defer leasing of 1,237 acres of federal minerals below the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area until a long-term resource plan for the Glenwood Springs area is completed. A draft of that plan is expected to be released in September 2009.
The BLM has deferred selling leases in that 1,237-acre area because it is located in a “pretty rugged area,” and it would be difficult for operators to drill there without causing surface disturbances in the wildlife area, said David Boyd, a spokesman for the agency.
Commissioners delay decision on Hunt Ranch above Carbondale
Aug. 19, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Garfield County commissioners were set to consider a preliminary plan for a controversial 93-lot subdivision in Missouri Heights on Monday.
But an oversight by the Glenwood Springs Post Independent involving the placing of a legal advertisement has delayed commissioners’ consideration of the proposal by at least a month.
Garfield County Commissioner John Martin told the developers of the controversial Hunt Ranch subdivision that since notification of the public hearing did not appear in The Citizen Telegram, which is considered the “paper of record” to print notices in Garfield County, the commissioners could not go forward with the hearing.
Roan: Going once … Sold!
Aug. 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GOLDEN — In just a few minutes, the bidding raced past $10,000 an acre. And when it stopped, one bidder was on the hook for $25.3 million to buy a 2,139 acre-parcel on the Roan Plateau.
The Bureau of Land Management raised about $114 million in little more than four hours from four bidders on Thursday as the agency auctioned off 31 parcels encompassing 54,631 acres of the Roan Plateau Planning Area, which is northwest of Rifle in Garfield County.
Auction of Roan parcels draws strong reactions
Aug. 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GOLDEN — Reaction from state leaders, the oil and gas industry and environmentalists over the Roan Plateau lease sale Thursday was swift and strong.
Right after the sale was finished, they began issuing statements about it, with many of them full of withering criticism for the Bureau of Land Management, Colo. Gov. Bill Ritter, the oil and gas industry and state environmental organizations. Just about everyone involved in the debate over oil and gas development in the area got whacked.
Commissioners OK temporary housing in Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area south of New Castle
Aug. 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Garfield County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a special use permit for Orion Energy Partners to build temporary housing for up to four people in the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area.
Orion is currently building one exploratory well and natural gas and water pipelines in the habitat about 3.9 miles south of New Castle after the company reached a surface-use agreement with the Colorado Division of Wildlife in June.
Feds certify Anvil Points site in the nick of time
Aug. 9, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of Interior and Energy have certified that there is enough money to cover the cleanup of the Anvil Points Oil Shale Superfund site near Rulison.
The move allows Colorado to receive about half of the $2.7 million in natural gas revenues that are generated each month from existing leases in the Roan Plateau Planning Area.
This certification also means that Colorado is expected to receive money from an Aug. 14 Bureau of Land Management lease sale of 55,200 acres on the Roan. The auctioning of lands in the area is expected to bring in about $100 million to $300 million, according to BLM estimates.
Motorcycle accident changed everything for Glenwood man
Aug. 7, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — One hundred and fourteen days ago, life changed for Keith Harrison.
Today, getting dressed is a struggle for the 20-year-old. He depends on other people more than he would like. He sees people ignore him when he approaches.
One hundred and fourteen days ago, Harrison had a well-paying job in the oil and gas industry. He could do tricks with his dirt bike that would stun his friends and his family.
BLM rejects protest of mineral sale south of New Castle
July 16, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — The Bureau of Land Management has decided not to uphold a protest the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) lodged against the sale of a federal mineral parcel below the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area.
The move now clears the way for potential additional natural gas development in the wildlife area. Orion Energy Partners is currently building a pipeline for one exploratory well pad in the habitat, which the DOW uses as winter range for elk and deer and to keep area wildlife off of Interstate 70.
Groups dig in for Roan fight
July 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — A coalition of 10 environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit on Friday that seeks to set aside the government’s current management plan for natural gas drilling on the Roan Plateau. The court action also seeks to block an upcoming lease sale that would open up about 55,200 acres on the Western Colorado landmark to natural gas drilling.
The environmental groups — which include Wilderness Society, Colorado Trout Unlimited, Colorado Mountain Club and the Wilderness Workshop — argue that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) violated federal law for not considering the long-term environmental impacts its management plan could have on the area, which is northwest of Rifle.
More waste water releases under investigation by Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
July 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — State oil and gas regulators are looking at two additional releases of waste that have reportedly affected groundwater northwest of Parachute.
Those two spills occurred about two to three weeks after one man went to the hospital after drinking his cabin’s spring water, which was allegedly contaminated by a release from area drilling operations.
Gas companies cited for waste discharge northwest of Parachute
June 30, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is investigating four natural gas companies for a waste discharge northwest of Parachute that allegedly contaminated a spring that feeds one cabin’s drinking water, state records show.
The alleged contamination sent Ned Prather, an area guide and outfitter, to the hospital with throat problems after he drank water from his cabin’s faucet, according to a state Notice of Alleged Violation (NOAV) filed against each company.
Roan leasing faces challenges
June 30, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE – The Bureau of Land Management is estimating that its Aug. 14 lease sale of about 55,100 federal acres on the Roan Plateau for natural gas drilling will bring in between $100 million to $300 million.
Industry groups and some others believe the sale could bring in even more money, potentially showering Colorado with cash. That’s because the federal government shares about half of what it receives from development of its leases with the states.
But there are several lingering problems with the BLM’s lease sale and any potential revenue that could come back to Colorado from it. Those problems – which include possible litigation to block the sale – should come into sharper focus as Aug. 14 draws nearer.
Appeals court green-lights pipeline on Bull Mountain
June 20, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A federal appeals court on Wednesday lifted an injunction that blocked the building of a controversial 25-mile pipeline that will cross through roadless areas on forest lands.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down its ruling after a hearing on Wednesday. The court’s order will now allow work on the Bull Mountain pipeline to continue. However, the order did not detail why the appeals court decided to lift the injunctio
Garfield County study finds no ‘health crisis’
June 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — A two-year community health risk assessment of Garfield County residents found that there is not a “health crisis” because of rapid natural gas development in the county.
But an environmental risk assessment — which was based on mathematical modeling of emissions from a single well — found that people who are close to oil and gas operations may face higher health risks, like cancer, because of higher rates of benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen.
Roan leasing prompts lawsuit
June 17, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE – A coalition of environmentalists announced Monday that it plans to sue the Bureau of Land Management to stop it from leasing about 55,000 acres of the Roan Plateau.
The announcement of the intent to sue comes a week after the BLM officials said last week that the agency plans to include thousands of Roan Plateau acreage in its Aug. 14 lease sale for natural gas drilling.
That sale will include 55,186 acres in 31 parcels in the Roan Plateau Planning Area – an area valued for both its wildlife and its natural resources. Eighteen of the 31 parcels, which encompass a total of 34,087 acres, are for the top of the plateau.
Agreement reached for wildlife area drilling outside New Castle
June 13, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GUNNISON — Colorado Wildlife Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a surface-useagreement with Orion Energy Partners that will allow the company to begin drilling in Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area this summer.
Commissioners approved the agreement because of the possibility that if they didn’t, Orion could simply ignore Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) requests to lessen its impacts on the wildlife area, pay the state a bond and begin drilling in the habitat within 30 days once it received a state permit to drill.
Packed house in Grand Junction talks gas rules
June 11, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GRAND JUNCTION – Harris Sherman began the hearing by asking people who were standing shoulder to shoulder near the exits to move
The Grand Junction Fire Department told Sherman, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) member, that those people blocking the doors posed a safety concern.
The only problem was that they had nowhere to go. An equally packed crowd of people stood around all the walls of the Two Rivers Convention Center auditorium in Grand Junction, and every single seat in the middle was taken.
Thousands of people flooded the convention center on Tuesday to sound off about proposed rules the COGCC is currently drafting for the state’s oil and gas industry. The vast majority of the crowd – estimated to be around 1,200 to 2,000, according to the Grand Junction Police Department and others – was oil and gas workers, who wore stickers saying “Don’t rule us out” and “Oil and Gas feeds my family.”
Legislators to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: Take it slow
June 11, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GRAND JUNCTION – Two state legislators indicated to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commissionmembers that they should tread carefully as they move forward in approving new rules for the state’s oil and gas industry.
Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, said that one step that hasn’t been mentioned in the COGCC’s current rule-making process for the energy industry is that any rules approved by the commission will have to be reviewed by the Colorado legislature.
“Be certain that the general assembly could rewrite (them) on your behalf,” Penry said.
55,000 acres on the Roan up for lease
June 10, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE – The Bureau of Land Management announced Monday that it was including 55,000 acres of land on the Roan Plateau in its August lease sale. The agency’s announcement immediately drew rebukes from Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, both of whom said the BLM ignored their proposals for the area.
The BLM’s Aug. 14 lease sale will include 55,186 acres in 31 parcels in the Roan Plateau Planning Area, according to the agency. Eighteen of the 31 parcels, which encompass a total 34,087 acres, are for the top of the plateau.
Roan Plateau leases may go up for sale
June 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — In about two weeks, Clare Bastable will learn whether the Bureau of Land Management will put up for sale natural gas leases on the Roan Plateau.
That is something the conservation director for the Colorado Mountain Club has been fighting against for so long and will continue to try to stop even as full-scale leasing for the Western Colorado landmark appears to be on the horizon in little less than three months.
“Every time the public or Congress or the governor has intervened on this and asked for protection, the Bush administration has plowed forward,” Bastable said of actions to open the area up to natural gas drilling. “So the fact that the (BLM is) pursuing leases of the Roan is not a surprise. It is certainly disappointing, but again, I don’t believe that this battle is over.”
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission study finds no significant impacts expected from drilling limits
May 25, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A cost-benefit analysis of draft rules for the state’s oil and gas industry found that proposed 90-day drilling restrictions for wildlife habitats are “not expected to have significant impact on economic competitiveness, job creation or state revenues.”
That rule has engendered some of the concerns for natural gas operators in the Piceance Basin and for Garfield County commissioners.
The cost analysis, prepared by Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) staff and a consulting firm, said it was difficult to estimate the probable cost companies would face from the drilling restrictions because the state requested that information from 50 oil and gas operators, but it did not receive a response.
COGCC opts against motion to limit rule-making process
May 23, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
DENVER – The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) on Thursday voted not to grant a motion that sought to narrow the scope of its rule-making process for the state’s oil and gas industry. The COGCC commissioners’ vote also turned away a request to spread its rule-making out over time.
Rivers are rapidly rising near Glenwood Springs
May 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Runoff from this year’s large snowfall has already caused its first problem in the area.
The Colorado Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced that it closed the bicycle/pedestrian path along Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon between the Grizzly Creek Rest Area and the Hanging Lake Rest Area, which includes the Shoshone Power Plant area, because of rising waters from the Colorado River.
Roaring Fork Valley’s Rio Grande Trail nears completion
May 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The project has been ongoing for about 11 years.
Within another two weeks, it should be complete.
Mike Hermes, director of property and trails for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), said that the final touches of the Rio Grande Trail are expected to be completed some time the week of May 19 – if the weather cooperates.
Garfield County doesn’t like gas rules
May 6, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The Garfield County commissioners on Monday cited several concerns with new draft rules for the state’s oil and gas industry as the county prepares for formal hearings over the issue.
DOW to sample fish in Parachute Creek
April 30, 2008
PARACHUTE – The Colorado Division of Wildlife has begun sampling of fish species in Parachute Creek in the wake of four large water spills and reports of sediment pollution infiltrating the creek.
The agency is analyzing the current population and species distribution of fish in the creek – which include native Colorado cutthroat trout and brook, brown and rainbow trout – and will compare that data to historical records the agency has on the creek, said Randy Hampton, a spokesman for the DOW.
EPA finds Garden Gulch water up to standards
April 24, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE – Environmental Protection Agency sampling of four large water spills from oil and gas storage pits on private lands of the Roan Plateau this winter found that the releases did not cause any lingering environmental impacts.
Dave Akers, manager with the state’s Water Quality Control Division (WQCD), said the EPA’s analysis found that concentrations of most contaminants associated with oil and gas production – organic contaminants like benzene and toluene – from Berry Petroleum Co.’s three water releases in the area “were very low, if not undetectable.”
Drilling companies working on pipeline near Parachute agree to best management practices
April 23, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has reached an agreement with four companies whose construction work on a natural gas pipeline allegedly polluted Garden Gulch and Parachute Creek with sediment, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
The agreement led to the cancellation of a court hearing — which was scheduled for today in Garfield County District Court — over Suthers’ request for an injunction that sought to prevent the four companies from continuing work on a natural gas pipeline in the Garden Gulch area northwest of Parachute.
New Roan legislation strikes a better balance, some say
April 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — Three members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation have introduced Roan Plateau legislation that largely follows the recommendations Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter put forward for probable drilling on the Western Slope landmark.
Garfield County against RFTA tax levy
April 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A proposal to put a 0.4 percent sales tax levy on unincorporated county ballots to help bolster the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s regional service received a chilly response from two Garfield County commissioners on Monday.
Most of Glenwood’s homeless are not jobless
April 13, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — It could be the person roofing your home. Or the person working next to you.
At least 75 percent of the people who seek services at Feed My Sheep — the area’s main provider for the area’s homeless population — have jobs, but no home to go to at night.
It’s an eyebrow-raising figure that Karolyn Spencer, who started Feed My Sheep five years ago, says shatters many myths about this area’s homeless population.
Homeless in Glenwood Springs
April 13, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Colorado River hummed as it flowed downstream. The sound of trees swaying in the wind and a squirrel running along wet rocks played along, in tune.
Cooter, who only goes by one name, joined in. He made his harmonica hum a quiet, dulcet duet with the sound of the moment.
Sitting on a bench along the river, not far from downtown Glenwood Springs, Cooter blew on his harmonica and reflected on the life he’s led in the Roaring Fork Valley and the special significance of the spot where he sat.
It’s a place where two men, tied by a common lifestyle of living without a home, fished and talked about their lives. Now Cooter has returned to this place to remember his departed friend, Paul Friel.
Gas industry: Wildlife restrictions will sting economy
April 11, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The prospect of new wildlife restrictions in proposed rules for the state’s oil and gas industry has Williams Production RMT, one of the largest natural gas companies in Garfield County, warning of “serious economic impacts to communities on the Western Slope.”
The “uncertain regulatory” environment from the draft rules has already caused EnCana Oil and Gas (USA), another large company in the county, to reduce its drilling plan for the Piceance Basin by about 24 percent this year and divert millions of dollars in capital expenses to other states.
Drilling approved nearer to Rulison blast site
April 10, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
BATTLEMENT MESA — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has conditionally approved 11 permits to drill wells a little more than one mile away from Project Rulison blast site.
Garfield County won’t join group’s complaint about well-pad spills near Parachute
April 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Garfield County commissioners on Monday voted not to join a local advocacy group’s complaint to the state about four recent spills from well pads northwest of Parachute.
However, the county has asked for sampling data from the four spills from storage pits in Garden Gulch, which flows into Parachute Creek, an irrigation source for area ranchers and the town of Parachute.
Agency unlikely to support drilling close to Project Rulison blast site
April 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The United States Department of Energy seems poised against drilling within a half-mile of the Project Rulison blast site.
Garfield County Commissioner John Martin said a recent discussion the county has had with Jack Craig, with the Department of Energy’s Office of Legacy Management, indicated that there has been “myths” and “a lot of lack of facts” about the blast site and that there is a need for the agency to engage residents in multiple meetings to inform them about drilling in the area.
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission releases draft of gas rules
April 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — New draft rules for energy development in Colorado call for more environmental and water protections, while also abandoning a proposed permitting process that drew the ire of the oil and gas industry.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) on Monday released a set of proposed regulations that include restricting drilling in critical wildlife areas, primarily in Western Colorado, for specified periods of up to 90 days and prohibiting the construction of oil and gas facilities within 500 feet of “sources of drinking water” for a distance of five miles upstream of a “public water supply intake.”
Energy company seeks to amend Garfield County zoning regs
March 22, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — A company under investigation by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for a 30,000-barrel spill northwest of Parachute is seeking approval for two drilling-related requests in the county.
BLM extends oil shale plan comment period
March 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Bureau of Land Management announced Thursday that it would extend the public comment period for a draft plan that could open about 360,000 acres in Colorado to oil shale leasing by another 30 days. The previous deadline for public comments was Thursday.
Glenwood Springs anti-war vigil draws 50 on Iraq anniversary
March 20, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The candles in their hands illuminated some of the sadness on their faces.
About 50 people from the area huddled inside Centennial Park in downtown Glenwood Springs for a peace vigil Wednesday to honor the almost 4,000 American soldiers and the untold thousands of Iraqi civilians who have died in Iraq since the war started five years ago.
Roan fight not over for Salazar brothers
March 19, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — Less than a week after the Bureau of Land Management issued its second management decision for the Roan Plateau, two of Colorado’s congressional delegation said they will try to push for legislative protections of the area.
Garfileld County ozone levels are high
March 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Ozone monitoring at several locations in Garfield County and at Ajax Mountain in Aspen show that ozone readings crossed or were close to crossing new federal air quality standards set to be implemented in May.
Recent sampling atop Ajax Mountain found that the highest level of ozone concentration measured for an eight-hour period on the mountain reached 78 parts per billion (ppb).
Berry Petroleum allegedly responsible for spills
March 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission records reveal that Berry Petroleum Co. allegedly failed to tell the state of two releases of fluids from a reserve pit on private lands of the Roan Plateau.
The company also reportedly did not alert the landowner about the releases, according to the agency’s records.
A COGCC “Notice of Alleged Violation” (NOAV) said that Berry notified the agency about a release of an unknown volume of drilling fluids from a reserve pit on Jan. 22.
BLM nixes phased Roan leasing
March 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — Natural gas lease sales for federal minerals underneath the Roan Plateau could come as soon as late this summer following a Bureau of Land Management decision announced Thursday.
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Democrats from Colorado’s Congressional delegation and area environmentalists, however, were disappointed in the BLM’s second management decision for the Roan Plateau, with some saying the agency flatly rejected the governor’s proposals for drilling in the area.
Marathon responsible for pit spill near Parachute
March 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — Marathon Oil Co. on Tuesday identified itself as one of two companies involved in four large storage pit spills from November to February.
Marathon said it was responsible for one 30,000-barrel water release from a water pit; however, the leak near Garden Gulch did not contain industrial drilling mud, as was initially reported by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
Garfield County delays man camp decision
March 11, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Garfield County commissioners on Monday delayed taking action on proposed draft regulations that would streamline permitting of temporary housing at county well pads.
Those preliminary rules would include allowing energy companies to establish small temporary housing facilities, or “man camps,” without having to go through a county public hearing for approval.
Residents have more to say about drilling near Project Rulison
March 9, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Area residents opposed to drilling near the Project Rulison nuclear blast site and others opposed to changes to county zoning regulations for man camps at area gas rigs are expected to address Garfield County commissioners on Monday.
Residents who live near the Project Rulison blast site — where the government detonated a 43-kiloton nuclear weapon 8,426 feet below the surface in 1969 in an experiment to free up natural gas — will address the county commissioners to ask their support on three specific actions about drilling in the area.
DOW seeks to monitor spill
March 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is requesting permission to gain access to private lands on the Roan Plateau where four spills of industrial drilling mud occurred so agency staff can start monitoring the area.
Randy Hampton, a spokesman for the DOW, said the agency was first alerted to the spills earlier this week, but since they happened on private property, the agency is trying to work with owner of the property to get access to the spill sites.
Number of drilling permit applications is as high as ever
March 7, 2008
RIFLE — The prospect of new rules for oil and gas industry hasn’t seemed to diminish the rush for drilling permits in Colorado.
Dave Neslin, acting director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, said the number of drilling permit applications for the first two months this year is up 50 percent compared to the same two months in 2007.
“Certainly there is nothing to suggest that development or planned development has diminished,” Neslin said at the Northwest Colorado Oil and Gas Forum meeting in Rifle on Thursday.
Releases of drilling waste in Garfield County currently under investigation
March 7, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
RIFLE — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) announced on Thursday that it is investigating four large releases from oil and gas reserve pits near Rifle.
The agency said that an operator failed to report two of those releases for two months. The agency would not name the companies responsible for the releases until the investigation is complete.
The COGCC also announced it would withhold 80 drilling permit applications near Garden Gulch, west of the Roan Plateau, until the investigation is resolved.
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation work-group meetings come to a close
March 5, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) held about 35 “stakeholder work group” meetings in January and February to hear concerns and take public input about its proposed rules for the oil and gas industry in the state.
Those work group meetings — attended by various constituencies such as environmental organizations and the energy industry — ended last week.
New Western Colorado Congress oil shale, citizens group coordinator likely to stay busy
March 4, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — If there’s a meeting about oil shale, expect to see Frank Smith there.
And with the pace that oil shale drilling developments are occurring on the Western Slope, expect Smith to be at a lot of meetings.
But that’s the requirement of his job as the new oil shale and Grand Valley Citizens Alliance (GVCA) organizer for the Western Colorado Congress (WCC), an advocacy organization that supports environmental stewardship.
His duties include helping coordinate a regional effort to prevent oil shale leasing in the area and organizing the GVCA, one of eight community groups that make up the WCC.
Colorado Secretary of State says Garfield County’s voting equipment is OK
March 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Jean Alberico is now breathing a sigh of relief.
That’s because Secretary of State Mike Coffman on Thursday announced that Hart InterCivic’s eScan, which is used by Garfield County to tabulate election results, has been conditionally certified for use in Colorado.
The company’s Ballot Now system, a ballot printing and counting machine the county has purchased but not used in an election, was also conditionally certified Thursday.
Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race
Feb. 29, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.
Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissioner seat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.
Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and “that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a better relationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.
Party-line vote advances Garfield County commissioner’s hopes for COGCC
Feb. 27, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — She has been doing the work for almost eight months. Now Garfield County Commissioner Trési Houpt is one step closer to officially being named as a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation (COGCC) commissioner.
The Democrat-controlled state Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee on Tuesday approved — but on a party line, 4-to-3 vote — sending a motion to the full Senate that recommends senators approve the confirmation of Houpt and five other people as COGCC commissioners.
Garfield County denies deadline extension for hearing request
Feb. 27, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
BATTLEMENT MESA — Garfield County officials have told residents who live near the Project Rulison blast site that the county will not seek an extension to request a hearing before the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for 11 drilling permits near the nuclear detonation area.
Three couples asked the county to request a 20-day extension because a deadline to request a hearing on the permits was fast approaching.
Judy Jordan, the county’s oil and gas liaison, wrote a letter to Gunnison Attorney Luke Danielson, who is representing the couples, telling him the county will not request an extension to ask for a hearing before the COGCC over the permits.
DOW still hoping to halt drilling in wildlife habitat near New Castle
Feb. 26, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — A protest that the Colorado Division of Wildlife placed against the sale of a federal mineral lease parcel underneath the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area near New Castle may take up to six months to resolve.
Jamie Gardner, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Land Management, said the agency will conduct a full “review and analysis” of the DOW protest.
Residents ready to take argument to the county
Feb. 22, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
BATTLEMENT MESA — Residents who live near the Project Rulison nuclear blast site intend to ask Garfield County commissioners to seek a hearing before the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission over 11 drilling permit applications near the site.
But since a 10-day deadline to apply for a hearing on the permits was fast approaching and commissioners won’t have a quorum for a meeting until March 10, the residents also have requested that the county ask the COGCC for an extension of time to request a hearing.
Plans for Sunlight, near Glenwood Springs, now have more acreage, units
Feb. 21, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The developers behind the revamping of Sunlight Mountain Resort held an open house Wednesday night to show their intentions for the ski mountain’s future to area residents. The group’s newest plan adds 30 more housing units at the resort.
That change now brings the total housing units slated for the development to 830 housing units, of which 50 would be employee housing.
Gas industry braces for the new COGCC rules
Feb. 20, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Colorado is drafting new rules for the oil and gas industry. And some of the proposed changes have created considerable worries for energy companies in the state.
Some of the contentious proposed tweaks include requiring companies to provide the state with an inventory of chemicals used or released at a drilling site and possibly giving adjacent landowners within 500 feet of a well standing to request a hearing.
New rules move forward despite critics
Feb. 20, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS —The energy industry has criticized the process. Some state legislators think it has gone too far.
But Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, said the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) has fashioned one of the most “transparent” processes for the creation of new rules for the state’s oil and gas industry.
Young senior planner for Garfield County brings passion to job
Feb. 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — David Pesnichak’s office has a stunning, sweeping view of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Blocking a small part of that view, however, is a foot-high stack of paper.
Pesnichak has been working on that stack of paper — which is set of updates to the county’s zoning regulations on temporary housing at area gas well pads — for more than a year.
And he’ll be working on it for another month after the Garfield County commissioners voted earlier this month to continue their debate about the subject in another meeting.
Wildlife area gas leases contested in New Castle
Feb. 15, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE — The Bureau of Land Management on Thursday sold a federal mineral lease underneath the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area near New Castle even though the Colorado Division of Wildlife had asked the agency to delay the sale indefinitely.
It delayed some other leases in the area at the DOW’s request.
DOW director Thomas Remington sent a letter to the BLM in late January, writing that the area “provides crucial winter range for deer and elk that are finding fewer and fewer places to inhabit without conflict.”
The battle to block drilling in Rulison blast area continues
Feb. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
BATTLEMENT MESA — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission last month told a group of area residents and local organizations who sought to block 16 drilling permits within three miles of the Project Rulison nuclear blast site that they did not have standing to ask for a hearing over the permits.
Objections to two drilling permit applications were not proper because the permits already had been issued by the agency. For the rest of the 14 permits, there isn’t an ability for the homeowners and groups to object to the “issuance of a permit to drill” under the agency’s current rules and ask for a hearing on the matter, said Tricia Beaver, a spokeswoman for the COGCC.
GreenSpot is the spot for ‘green’ building products
Feb. 12, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
CARBONDALE — Many builders, architects and homeowners want to go “green.” GreenSpot wants to help them to get there.
The 5,000-square-foot Carbondale store, which opened in October, offers a range of environmental friendly and sustainable products like paint with no volatile organic compounds and lumber certified by one of the most recognized rating systems for sustainable wood.
Christopher Jacobson, GreenSpot’s founder and CEO, said he wants to offer area residents and contractors “sustainable living solutions.”
Salazars submit bill that could set Garfield County up to receive millions
Feb. 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and his brother, U.S. Rep. John Salazar, announced Thursday that they have submitted legislation to Congress that would immediately send money from the Anvil Points oil shale trust fund to Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
The two Democrats said their bill would direct Colorado’s share of the fund toward land, water and wildlife protection, along with improvements for roads affected by oil and gas development. Garfield County could receive about $15 million if the legislation passes.
New bill combats 52-48 split in mineral revenues
Feb. 7, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Three members of Colorado’s congressional delegation have submitted legislation that would reverse a federal mineral leasing change that was hidden inside a spending bill last year.
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said legislation that he and Reps. John Salazar, D-Manassa, and Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, submitted Wednesday will restore the traditional 50-50 split between the federal government and the states from revenue generated from federal mineral leasing activity.
BLM to award contract for cleanup of Anvil Points near Rifle
Feb. 6, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has written to Colorado’s senators that the Bureau of Land Management is expected to award a contract in June to start the cleanup of the Anvil Points oil shale research site north of Rulison.
The move will eventually allow Colorado to begin receiving its share of royalties generated from existing federal leases on the Roan Plateau once the cleanup is complete.
Garfield County voters eager to caucus
Feb. 6, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Garfield County Democratic and Republican leaders wanted their party members to register about a half hour before their caucuses started Tuesday.
They probably should have asked their party faithful to come about a half-hour earlier than that.
Gas companies aren’t dashing for permits despite impending bills
Feb. 1, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Two gas companies with large operations in Garfield County say they are not rushing to apply for gas drilling permits ahead of new oil and gas regulations being drafted by the state. Those new regulations are expected to be approved by July 1.
Doug Hock, a spokesman for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) said the company is not moving faster to get more drilling permits approved before the new rules are finalized.
Garfield County preps for hearing on 561-acre subdivision
Jan. 31, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
MISSOURI HEIGHTS — Garfield County Building and Planning staff are combing through a preliminary plan for Hunt Ranch, a proposed 561-acre subdivision on historic ranch land in Missouri Heights.
The plan calls for 93 lots on 204 acres of the 561-parcel — or one unit per six acres in the planned subdivision north of Colorado Highway 82 above Carbondale and Basalt.
State wildlife area targeted for gas drilling
Jan. 18, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
NEW CASTLE – Kyle Holt was driving on County Road 312 through the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area when he saw pink flags and some men out in the refuge. He saw a neighbor and asked what the men were doing.
The answer disappointed him.
He was told that the wildlife area, where Holt said he’s seen 200 elk in a field where the flags were located, became another area affected by the area’s natural gas energy boom.
“It just doesn’t seem quite right,” he said, upset that the area is closed to residents but open to natural gas development. “Are our state wildlife areas up for grabs now as far as any kind of development goes? It seems like critical, fragile habitat up there.”
Carbondale woman’s life is surrounded by music
Jan. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The 5-year-old autistic boy was having trouble with his family. So his mother wanted to see if he could connect to people through music.
Shanti Gruber was going to be his teacher.
“I said, ‘Let him come in. Don’t come in with him. Let him sit with us,’” said Gruber, 25, recalling the mother’s apprehension when the two came for a lesson.
Right as the music began, the boy joined in.
Drilling stands tall in Garfield County
Jan. 14, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Natural gas permits issued in Garfield County last year accounted for 40 percent of all oil and gas permits issued in Colorado, according to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission statistics released Monday.
The COGCC issued 6,368 permits in 2007, with 2,550 of those permits for wells in Garfield County, the statistics show. The number of permits issued in the county last year increased by 38 percent from 2006, when 1,844 were issued. That year, Garfield County permits accounted for 31 percent of all permits issued in Colorado.
The growth in oil and gas permits shows the continuing and expanding natural gas boom in Garfield County, which stretches into parts of the gas-rich Piceance Basin.
Salazars back off on Roan, endorse Ritter provisions
Jan. 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., and Rep. John Salazar, D-Manassa, are backing away from attempts to prevent gas leasing on the top of the Roan Plateau, and instead plan to introduce legislation partly based on recommendations by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter.
The Salazars’ proposed legislation, which was crafted with the help of U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, would direct the federal government to implement two of Ritter’s proposals for boosting environmental protections during energy development on the Roan. Ritter announced the proposals in late December.
“The Roan Plateau is a very special place for us here in Colorado. It is one of the most diverse wildlife habitats we have in our state. It is one of those places we absolutely have to protect,” Ken Salazar said Tuesday during a conference call with reporters. “I will not allow the Western Slope or any part of our state to become the sacrificial zone for oil and gas development.”
Interim director in charge at a critical period
Jan. 8, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Dave Neslin has been on the job for a little more than two months. But as acting director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, he is now leading the agency through one of the more important periods in its history.
The COGCC is in the middle of drafting new oil and gas rules for the state, changes that could have enormous effects on the future of the oil and gas industry.
Gas industry criticizes rulemaking process
Jan. 6, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Drafting new rules for oil and gas development can be stale, bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo for some.
But for oil and gas companies in Colorado, the ongoing process to update the state’s current rules is anything but that. In fact, some energy officials say it is the most pressing issue facing the industry in Colorado.
“This is the No. 1 issue for the industry in the state,” said Meg Collins, president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association.
Some in the industry have criticized the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for not allowing industry experts to bring “technical expertise” to the table when the agency drafted its “initial pre-draft rulemaking proposal” this fall.
Packed gym airs concerns at meeting
Jan. 4, 2008
By PHILLIP YATES
PARACHUTE – Energy industry workers and representatives, environmental advocates and concerned residents sounded off on proposed oil and gas drilling rules Thursday night during a public meeting in Battlement Mesa.
The public meeting, one of four the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will hold across the state as it drafts new rules for oil and gas development in the state, drew enough people to almost fill the entire Battlement Activity Center’s gymnasium.
In a public comment period during the meeting, some hailed the new oil and gas rules, while energy company officials, industry workers and independent owners said the proposed regulations could have a dramatic impact on the burgeoning natural gas industry in Northwest Colorado.
Use of directional drilling increases dramatically in county and state
Dec. 29, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Statistics from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission show a dramatic surge in the use of directional drilling across the state of Colorado.
Many gas companies use the technique, which allows drills to be aimed at an angle to penetrate the underlying rock formations, enabling multiple wells to be drilled from one well pad. Energy companies say directional drilling can help mitigate surface environmental and wildlife disturbances drilling operations can have in northwest Colorado.
BLM tags $4K processing fee on drill permits
Jan. 3, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The Bureau of Land Management has begun charging a $4,000 processing fee for each new oil and gas drilling permit application, the agency announced on Wednesday.
The directive to charge for the permits, which are known as an application for permit to drill (APD), was inserted into a $555-billion spending bill that President Bush signed on Dec. 26. Before the change, the BLM did not charge for processing APDs, according to the agency.
The money generated by the fees “is not new revenue, but rather a reimbursement to the U.S. Treasury for the estimated cost of processing new APDs” for the agency’s 2008 fiscal year, according to the BLM. The fees became effective the day Bush signed the spending bill.
Ritter calls for balance on Roan
Dec. 21, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter announced his comments about the future of the Roan Plateau on Thursday, calling for a balance between responsible energy development and protection of wildlife and the environment.
Moments after Ritter announced his thoughts, environmental, recreation and energy groups sent out a flurry of press releases either criticizing the governor or praising him. Ritter called his proposal for the Roan Plateau, located near Rifle, a “unique Colorado solution.”
He is seeking increased protection of sensitive areas, more use of technology to minimize environmental disturbances, and incremental leasing of federal lands – a policy he believes will better protect the environment, increase state revenues and pace future development. The current federal plan for the Roan calls for all leasing to come all at once
“I think we can strike a balance that is going to benefit Colorado’s environment, its economy, the communities involved, the local communities on the Western Slope and certainly the energy industry,” Ritter said.
Allard, Salazar fighting effort to cut state’s mineral revenues
December 20, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Colorado’s two U.S. senators both plan to fight language tucked into a spending bill passed by the Senate Tuesday night that is expected to reduce states’ revenues from federal onshore mineral leasing.
The provision was apparently inserted into the $555 billion spending package and includes language that would reduce the current 50-50 split the states share from federal mineral leasing – derived from energy and mineral extraction on federal lands – by 2 percent. The reduction means states would get 48 percent of the proceeds, and the federal government 52 percent.
Colorado collected $122.8 million in mineral lease payments in the government’s 2007 fiscal year, according to the Minerals Management Service, the federal agency that collects, audits and disburses revenues from mineral leases on federal and American Indian lands.
Roan Plateau drilling opponents question group’s lease payment figures
December 19, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Opponents of oil and gas drilling on the Roan Plateau are pointing to figures released earlier this month from a federal agency to criticize claims that Colorado can earn $1 billion in leasing payments if drilling goes forward on federal lands in the area.
Figures from the Minerals Management Service, part of the U.S. Department of Interior, show Colorado reaped $10.7 million so far this year in bonus payments – money that winning bidders pay to buy a lease on federal land for oil, gas and coal development. That’s compared to $15.5 million for all of last year. The amount the service collected for all onshore and offshore leasing this year was $893 million.
Critics of oil and gas drilling on the Roan Plateau seized on the numbers, saying figures about potential leasing revenue on Bureau of Land Management land on the Roan Plateau are dramatically overstated.
Garfield County air study finds low levels of pollutants
December 18, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – A two-year study into air quality in Garfield County found no violations of federal air quality standards and that the levels of air pollutants in the area were “generally very low.”
But a preliminary health risk assessment provided with the study said that some oil and gas sites in the area appear “to present significantly higher cancer risk than urban and rural” areas. The assessment also said there were potential impacts from benzene, a known carcinogen, across oil and gas development areas of the county.
The Garfield County Ambient Air Quality Study, which has cost about $325,000, was commissioned to evaluate air quality in the county because of the burgeoning local oil and gas industry and growth in the area.
The study investigated air quality and meteorological conditions at dozens of sites across the county from June 2005 to May 2007. It found that PM10 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels are similar to or lower than levels in other areas in Colorado.
Report: Roan Plateau area drilling permits doubled
December 16, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
WASHINGTON – An environmental group has released a report saying the number of oil and gas drilling permits in the Bureau of Land Management’s Roan Plateau Planning Area has doubled since 2004.
The group is calling on the BLM to make the top of the plateau off-limits to future energy operations.
The number of oil and gas drilling permits, most for private lands in the Roan planning area, increased from 980 wells in 2004 to 2,094 wells in January 2007 – an increase of 114 percent. In 1987, 84 wells were permitted in the area, said Dusty Horwitt, senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group.
“Given the explosion of drilling in the area and the relatively small amount of energy that is likely to come from the top of the plateau, and the fact that it is treasured by so many people, it makes sense to protect the top from more drilling,” Horwitt said.
Commissioners vote for high urban density at Cattle Creek
December 13, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Dozens of area residents filled the Garfield County Board of Commissioners meeting room Wednesday night to sound off on a proposed zoning change to the former Bair Chase property, which could see hundreds of homes built between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale.
County Planning Commission members eventually voted in favor of rezoning the property to the highest urban density allowed in the county. Planning commissioners voted three to two in favor of the rezoning.
Garfield County commissioners unanimously agreed to return to the rezoning process earlier this month based on a request by Related WestPac, the owners of the 282-acre property, which is now referred to as Cattle Creek Crossing. The company made the request after some area residents contended county commissioners rezoned the property in April without providing proper public notice.
The company is considering a proposal to build nearly 1,000 homes on the property. The former Bair Chase property consists of 282 acres located near the Cattle Creek turnoff between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale.
Garfield County commissioners approve 2008 budget
December 10, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — It was matter of just tens of thousands of dollars in a $107 million spending budget.
But that small sliver of money generated an hour-long debate among Garfield County commissioners, and directors and supporters of the Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) shelter, as county leaders considered adoption of the 2008 budget Monday. The budget included a reduction in the shelter’s contract.
All three Garfield County commissioners approved the county budget for 2008. It called for the local animal shelter’s contract to be cut to $150,000 next year from $200,000 this year. CARE officials asked for $275,000 in 2008.
County OKs Spring Valley Ranch
December 8, 2007
By PHILLIP YATES
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Garfield County commissioners approved the Spring Valley Ranch development, a 6,000-acre project with 577 housing units, during a special meeting Friday.
Commissioners made the decision after listening to hours of presentations from Spring Valley Ranch developers and consultants, and Garfield County planning director Fred Jarman, along with comment from neighbors and questions directed to developers. There was little, if any, public comment specifically opposed to the project.
Commissioner John Martin voted against the project’s planned unit development (PUD), while commissioners Larry McCown and Trési Houpt voted for it. The project also includes 18- and 9-hole golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis courts and open space and trails. The development will be built southeast of Glenwood Springs.
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