Protestors gathered outside City Hall in downtown Colorado Springs today as Council prepared to hear a first reading on oil and gas regulations.
The rules include standards for water-testing and methane emissions. Protestors outside waved anti-fracking signs as drivers honked their horns. Sierra Club regional spokesman Jim Lockhart was among the ralliers and was scheduled to speak at the council meeting. Lockhart says he doesn’t think the proposal is quite strong enough.
“I’d like to see this ordinance go back to the planning commission and the city staff and to have them put a more comprehensive ordinance in its place. One that would protect parks, residential areas, it would protect ground water, protect the air. I think there are quite a few areas where the city can regulate through zoning and land use.”
The goal of the oil and gas committee is to establish rules for exploration and production of resources within city limits. The presentation started just before five o’clock and is expected to go late into the evening. Council could vote on the measure today if it’s not postponed.
