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Bill requiring compensation for fracking bans dies
Posted by Durango Herald: Peter Marcus on February 24th, 2016
Durango Herald: Democrats in the state Legislature on Wednesday killed legislation that would have required local governments to compensate mineral-rights owners in the event of a ban on hydraulic fracturing.
House Bill 1181 was sent to the controlling Democrats’ House bill committee.
The House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee killed the measure on a 5-4 party-line vote.
Similar legislation also died last year.
“It’s very disappointing to see an unfounded ideology again defeat responsible...
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National methane rule call for 45% reduction
Posted by Durango Herald: Peter Marcus on August 18th, 2015
Durango Herald: Federal regulators Tuesday announced the first-ever national methane regulations aimed at significantly cutting the greenhouse gas.
The expected announcement was met by cheers from the environmental world, while the energy sector suggested it amounts to additional red tape.
The proposal calls for a reduction in methane emissions from the oil-and-gas industry by as much as 45 percent in the next 10 years from 2012 levels. In addition to cutting greenhouse gases, it also would reduce volatile...
More data needed fracking, water
Posted by Durango Herald: Peter Marcus on March 4th, 2015
Durango Herald: La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt worries that studies about the impact hydraulic fracturing has on water do not delve deep enough into the issue.
A study released Tuesday by the U.S. Geological Survey found a lack of data available relative to impacts to water quality in areas where fracking is prevalent.
It pointed out that there is not a national water-quality monitoring program in place that focuses on gas and oil development, so more data and research is necessary to better understand...