FAIRPLAY — The federal Bureau of Land Management is preparing to open South Park — metro Denver's main water source — to oil and gas drilling. But Aurora Water, local authorities and conservationists are pushing back, demanding careful planning before any land is leased.
"Drilling responsibly. Is that an oxymoron?" asked Park County administrator Tom Eisenman, who says the BLM must at minimum do a detailed master plan before leasing parcels for drilling. BLM officials on Thursday said they will not conduct a master plan for leasing. Nor has the agency responded to concerns raised six months ago by Aurora Water.
The clash in South Park reflects widening tension around Colorado as communities raise concerns about energy development.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
