FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: January 30, 2024
Caitlin Maeve, Caitlin@corising.org, 720-499-4224
Christiaan van Woudenberg, erieprotectors@gmail.com, 720-317-7815
Oil & Gas Permits Denied for 18 New Fracking Wells in Erie
Residents breathe a sigh of relief while still being exposed to air pollutants from 27 existing wells
Erie, CO – On Wednesday, January 24, the Energy Carbon Management Commission (formerly known as the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission) voted 4-1 to deny 18 fracking wells to be added to the existing Coyote Pad. The Coyote Pad currently includes 27 fracking wells with hundreds of homes within 2000ft. Housing density has increased since the original plan was submitted in 2017 for up to 45 wells.
“This denial is a testament to the fact that all oil & gas operations are inappropriate in our neighborhoods, whether it is near two homes or two hundred homes,” said Caitt Maeve, Community Events Director with Colorado Rising.
Residents in Erie were already overburdened by the impacts of oil & gas operations from the existing Coyote Pad. According to data collected by the Erie Protectors, a total of 123 complaints were filed with the ECMC between February 2018 and September 2019.
“Our understanding of the dangers of fracking have changed significantly since the original Coyote Trails Form 2A was approved, as has the legal and regulatory landscape due to the passage of SB19-181. This permit denial should serve as a warning to operators that it’s no longer business as usual at the ECMC. A special thanks to all the nearby residents that submitted testimony for this docket item; your voices were heard, loud and clear” said Christiaan van Woudenberg, founder of the Erie Protectors and former City Councilmember for the Town of Erie.
Liz F, an Erie resident, expressed the importance of people power stating, “Denial of these permits is the best possible outcome and shows that people can make a difference when they come together to defend the community from inappropriate oil and gas development.”
It is unclear whether or not the operator will re-submit an application to seek approval for the 18 additional wells. For now, residents are relieved with the ECMC’s decision.
Local impacted resident Kelsey B expressed her gratitude stating, “I’m thrilled that the ECMC voted for the health & safety of Erie residents by voting against additional wells at Coyote Trails. This vote may seem small, but each little win like this is a glimmer of hope that the tide is finally shifting for people over profits. I’m filled with gratitude for CO Rising and my fellow impacted residents for taking the time to share their concerns—your efforts are always worth it and appreciated!”
###
