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Empower and replenish
yourself at these information outposts... |
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"Kahoniism over Cronyism!" |
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E-mail 'Project Forsaken': projectforsaken@earthlink.net |
| Recommended
Reading! "Citizen's Resource Guide to Oil and Gas Development in Western
Colorado and the Greater Rocky Mountain Region"
I wrote this free guide back in February 2003 when there was nothing of its kind available. Some things have changed since that time - including regulations, best practices and the make-up of our state government (and EnCana). I will be revising this report soon with updated information, but it is still a good (and historical) overview, especially for the much maligned and misunderstood "federal unit". I very highly recommended OGAP's 2004 publication (noted below) for a primer on gas development and private land issues (and another on drilling on public lands). They updated their guide in 2005,so don't forget to order or download the update if you order the guide. Western Colorado Congress has also produced a useful guide on private land and drilling (I couldn't find it referenced on their site, but it's a quick read, well written and worth asking about). "Northwest Colorado Socioeconomic Analysis and
Forecasts" Letters to Officials: During the course of this kind of struggle, it is important to state your position clearly to those in a position to help alter the course of any potential outcome. Occasionally, as a new situation merits, I will write a letter such as this. The following are those which I've written with regard to this issue. 09-08-07 Letter Asking for Intervening Aid on
Behalf of Migrating Elk Herd Colorado's Governor won a rare opportunity to review and comment on the
BLM's Roan Plateau drilling plan. I sent a letter to Gov. Ritter, asking
that he support best practices and the preservation of this unique habitat. Letter to Editor re: Garfield County Commissioners regarding proposed man-camp regulations. Coming Soon - Letter to Editor re: Garfield County Commissioner's man-camp decision Letter to Editor re: Commissioner's Martin and McCown's opposition to proposed COGCC rules. Letter to Editor re: Mesa County Commissioner Craig Meis' view that gas pads benefit wildlife ================================================================================= VIDEO RESOURCES Land Out of Time Rural Impacts! (on You Tube in 6
parts) Gas Boom / BBC World News America (added April 30, 2008) http://youtube.com/watch?v=y5iSPFbj6Zc - this is an excellent albeit dire short report from the BBC, as the Last Minute String Band sings the EnCana Blues over the fate of Divide Creek. ================================================================================= BOOKS Boomtown Blues by Andrew Gulliford - an excellent book by an academic scholar and one-time resident of Western Colorado. His book chronicles the woes of an energy boom-town, highlights some of the better pro-active policies which lessened the negative impacts and offers an outstanding reference section in the back. This book should be on the shelves of every policy-maker in the west. ================================================================================= NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
OGAP - Oil and gas Accountability Project This site is one of my favorites. Here, you can find a smorgasbord of valuable info including backgrounders, data tables, fact sheets, case studies, etc. on the oil and gas industry. Recommended Reading! "Oil and Gas at Your Door? A landowner's guide to oil and gas development. This 200-page book has been written to help demystify oil and gas development, and educate landowners on their legal rights and the laws that pertain to oil and gas." From their site: "OGAP is the only organization in the United States
with the sole mission of working with tribal, urban and rural communities to
protect their homes and the environment from the devastating impacts of oil
and gas development. In our five-year history, we have succeeded in building
alliances with economically, racially and politically diverse
constituencies. By bringing together such diverse partners as Native
Americans, ranchers and environmentalists to work towards a common -and
critically important- goal, their ability to voice their concerns and work
to lessen impacts has increased. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Colorado Environmental Coalition From their website: "Coloradans who love our state's incredible quality of life and great outdoors are the heart and soul of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Their energy and enthusiasm increases CEC's ability to respond to the threats facing Colorado's environment. Whether attending a public meeting, writing a letter to your state senator, or helping us "re-wild" an illegal track through a proposed wilderness area, you action creates change. Get involved today!" Colorado Action Network From their site: "As Coloradans, we want our air clean and our spectacular wild places preserved for future generations. Armed with only an email address and an interest in protecting the environment, we can make sure decision makers hear from us on these important issues. As a Colorado Action Network member, you will be informed about the most serious threats to our quality of life. And, you will know that with a few simple keystrokes, you can reach the key decision makers at just the right moment." Congress.org I love this site, as it keeps me informed - in a very fast and summary way - of issues coming before congress, and reflects how each of my representatives have voted. When I want more detail, it also provides links for more in-depth info on issues. Want to know how your rep is representing you? This site sends alerts right to the mailbox. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ National Wildlife Federation This site has an e-mail alert capability to notify someone when issues involving wildlife are up for legislative review. If you want to speak up for wildlife, this site has been helpful for me. WCC Western Colorado Congress From their site: "Western Colorado Congress (WCC) is a grassroots, democratic organization dedicated to challenging injustice by organizing people to increase their power over decisions that affect their lives. WCC's community groups and members work together to create healthy, sustainable communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship and a truly democratic society." We are members of this organization, and they continue to be very involved in issues important to the Colorado community. Their work has made a huge and positive difference in the continuing improvements to the way the oil and gas industry conducts its affairs in our state. I considered myself honored and fortunate to be invited to attend a press event to announce the COGCC draft rules with the WCC and Colorado Environmental Coalition. Visit their blog at http://wccongress/wordpress.com ___________________________________________________________________________________________ National Resources Defense Council From their site: "NRDC works on a broad range of issues as we pursue our mission to safeguard the Earth; its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends." ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Public Citizen From their site: "Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts." Founded by Ralph Nader. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ WORC - Western Organization of Resource Councils From their site: "A network of six state grassroots organizations working for change on the environment and family agriculture." EARTHWORKS From their site: "EARTHWORKS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide. EARTHWORKS stands for clean water, healthy communities and corporate accountability. We're working for solutions that protect the earth's resources and communities." Environmental Impacts in the news: http://www.earthworksaction.org/Coloincidentsinnews.cfm Health Impacts in the news: http://www.earthworksaction.org/Colohealth.cfm Colorado Foundation for Water Education Citizen's Guide to Colorado Water Law [23 page guide written for the lay person - and a thorough general primer] ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Comrade in Arms and General S--- Stirrer Visit the banks of Divide Creek and hear the Good Old Gospel Guard sing the EnCana Blues (as featured on BBC - America) For the record: some people have thought my actions to be politically motivated. No. I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican, and in fact believe the polarization of these two parties has contributed immensely to the decline of our country. I am a registered Independent. My actions are motivated by what I believe is just - nothing more. ================================================================================= Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The accessibility of this site has improved vastly from 2004. You can now obtain a snapshot overview of permitted activity as well as research associated documentation of activities past. ================================================================================= EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS If you are landowner in proximity to natural gas development, these contacts should be hanging by your phone. Please be aware, these are listed here only for your convenience and informational purposes and are numbers that I've used in the past to notify various agencies of emergencies. Several years ago, when activity here was strong, there were many emergencies - from spills, leaks and particulate emissions to trespass and issues with wildlife. I called and validated each of these numbers after dragging our old list out from behind some junk hanging on the side of the fridge - yellowed and curled, these numbers are still good to go, as of 09-09-07, but they could change. I advise you to use your own best judgment when notifying any appropriate authority. And of course, 911 is a given. Include the agency with jurisdiction over your emergency, and you will fare better with two extremely important aspects of your particular emergency: 1) rapid and satisfactory resolution 2) documentation of the event for future purposes. Documentation is important not only for potential issues which could lead to litigation, but it also provides a first-hand, on-the-scene account which could yield vital details that may become less clear or contested over time, if not initially made a matter of written public record. Based on our experience, it's also a good idea to ask for a copy of any report and certainly notify the reporting agency in writing of any information you feel is reported in error, offering your version of the facts.
Click here to print a list of these phone numbers without any of the organizations listed above.
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All contents of this site, unless
otherwise noted are copyrighted by Lisa Bracken, 2007. All rights are
reserved. |