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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) noted in Non-Profit segment below. Primer on Hydraulic Fracturing, Geology and
Drilling and the relationship between all three.
Consortium of the Frac'd - Communities impacted by natural gas
development - water in the line of fire.
Dr. Geoffrey Thyne's (of Science Based
Solutions) presentation to Garfield County
Re: "Sumary of PI and PII Hydrogeologic Characterization Studies - Mamm Creek
Area, Garfield County, CO" This key
PowerPoint presentation and its companion conclusive report provide an outstanding perspective of the dynamics
at play between the hydrology and the geology of this area in particular as
it specifically relates to drilling operations and risks to water supplies.
Please look for these links at the following addresses: Conclusions - http://garfield-county.com/Index.aspx?page=1149 "Northwest Colorado Socioeconomic Analysis and
Forecasts"
LETTERS TO OFFICIALS / EDITORS 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. 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 Letter to Editor re: Commissioner Martin's apparent efforts to silence Commissioner Houpt (in the news) Letter to the Editor re: Industry Vs. Everyone Else================================================================================= VIDEO RESOURCES GASLAND
Land Out of Time "Follow the story of big oil from the toxic rivers of the Amazon to company headquarters in Alberta. Canadian oil giant EnCana is under fire for the construction of an oil pipeline that is generating controversy and conflict in the Amazon. Faced with the contamination of their lands and coercion by military forces, Ecuadorian peasants tap into reserves of remarkable strength and courage as they resist. Between Midnight and the Rooster’s Crow explores the experiences of the people whose lives are being drastically altered by the race for black gold -- a race fuelled by oil companies, a government desperate for foreign investment, and a rapidly-globalizing world." EnCana was the largest international stakeholder in this project, later selling its assets to China. Best Canadian Documentary at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Fueling Fears : Fueling Fears, part one (from W-FIVE TV)
( Another expose where EnCana treads)
Fueling Fears : Fueling Fears, part two (from W-FIVE TV) This is one of the saddest commentaries on industrial development I've seen - part of it relative to EnCana from Rosebud, Alberta, a community profiled in Consortium of the Frac'd. If you want to know what kind of abuse goes on behind the veil of presumed decency and feigned patriotism, you need to watch this two-part video from W-Five TV. In it, you'll see people poisoned, intimidated, threatened, driven from their homes and truly forsaken in the name of "cheap", "clean" energy.
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
Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent by
Andrew Nikiforuk Saboteurs: Wiebo Ludwig's War Against Big Oil by
Andrew Nikiforuk Boomtown Blues by Andrew Gulliford - an excellent book by an academic scholar and one-time resident of Garfield County, 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 shelf of every policy-maker in the west.
================================================================================= COMMUNITY Common Dreams
Write your piece and submit it for consideration. Hear America's unbound
voices here. Love this site. It is vital to our endangered democracy. Squidoo Lens: Natural Gas Drilling in New York http://www.squidoo.com/fracbusters#AddNewBlurb_10363375 Lots of "stuff" - good repository of concerned folk from all over....
BLOGS
If you have a blog to share relative to oil and gas
accountability and responsible development, please share it. Colorado 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)
New Mexico
http://drillingsantafe.blogspot.com
www.un-naturalgas.org
http://www.donnan.com/fracking-water.htm
Splashdown Water Under Attack
Texas
http://www.ranchosmalulos.com/
Video, blog and resources from Texas family coping with yet another Exxon
Mobil disaster. Find a .pdf of drilling industry exemptions here and a .pdf
link to filing a citizen suit.
Chenango Delaware Otsego Gas Group
Damascus Citizens for Sustainability Wyoming
www.nodirtyenergy.org
Sootypaws Journal
Australia - even our Aussie neighbors are under attack
=================================================================================
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!" Powder River Basin Resource Council http://www.powderriverbasin.org/index.cfm This was one of the first places I went for information five years ago.
These guys have put a lot of work together, particularly on coal bed
methane. From their site: "Powder River Basin Resource Council is
committed to: The preservation and enrichment of Wyoming's
agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle. The conservation of Wyoming's
unique land, mineral, water, and clean air resources consistent with
responsible use of those resources to sustain the livelihood of present and
future generation. The education and empowerment of Wyoming's citizens to
raise a coherent voice in the decisions that will impact their environment
and lifestyle." 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] The Ohio Environmental Council http://www.theoec.org/PDFs/water/cwater_pollaw_suit.pdf Watershed Watchdog [an excellent 14 page guide on filing a citizen suit] From their website: "The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council is to inform, unite, and empower Ohio citizens to protect the environment and conserve natural resources." Union of Concerned Scientists From their website: "The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 250,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet." Environmental Working Group Publisher of: Free Pass for Oil and Gas: Environmental Protections Rolled Back as Western Drilling Surges. This report highlights all the environmental exemptions enjoyed by the oil and gas industry. From their website: "The mission of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. EWG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1993 by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. In 2002, we founded the EWG Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization that advocates on Capitol Hill for health-protective and subsidy-shifting policies."
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. Some are specific to Colorado, and as this website becomes more of a national resource, I urge folks from other states to find numbers relevant to their local and state regions. 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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