Adams County Decides To Temporarily Pause Fracking

Grace Hood/CPR News
A drilling rig operates right next to I-25 on Nov. 3, 2015 just north of Longmont.
Photo: Drilling Fracking Mead Longmont Rig (STAFF)
A drilling rig operates right next to I-25 on Nov. 3, 2015 just north of Longmont.

For six weeks, the county will not issue permits within 1,500 feet of homes, schools of public buildings. The commissioners will use the time to revise the county’s current extraction agreement with companies.

Adams County isn’t the first local government to grapple with balancing homeowners’ rights and state law that allows mineral owners to develop their resources.

Some towns such as Erie have crafted extensive agreements with companies. While others like Longmont have passed outright bans on hydraulic fracturing.

The Colorado Supreme Court is currently weighing the legality of a ban. A decision is expected later this year.