[an error occurred while processing this directive]

LATEST SUBMISSIONS

Wildlife and the Oil and Gas Commission

Saturday, April 14 at 12:01 AM

This Speakout has not been edited

By Suzanne O’Neill, Executive Director, The Colorado Wildlife Federation

We are the Colorado Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit organization of conservationists including hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers. As such, we are concerned with wildlife habitat. Directly and indirectly, wildlife contributes more than $2.0 billion annually to the Colorado economy. Wildlife, moreover, makes an immeasurable contribution to the quality of life of all of us who live in Colorado and the West.

We seek to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, and to conserve important wildlife winter ranges, reproduction areas, migration corridors and summer ranges. The impacts that rapidly expanding oil and gas development are having on Colorado’s and the West’s native wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn (antelope) and sage grouse have been well documented by respected wildlife biologists. We recognize that oil and gas production is a vital part of Colorado’s economy. Yet we also know that energy development need not jeopardize the wildlife and habitats that help define our state and the West.

Right now, there are two bills before the General Assembly that relate to wildlife and conservation interests. We and dozens of other conservation groups came together in support of the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Act of 2007 (HB 1298), a commonsense measure that directs the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to consult with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and to promulgate rules and manage operations in a manner that balances development with wildlife conservation. We are very pleased that the State House unanimously passed this bill of vital significance. It is now headed for the Senate and we urge full support of this bill.

This bill will be even more effective with the passage of House Bill 1341. HB 1341, already approved by the State House, would make changes to the membership of the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission and assure that Colorado’s wildlife and other natural resources are fully considered when key decisions are made on energy development. As conservationists, we also support this bill.

As things stand today, there is no practical, formal process before the Oil and Gas Commission to give consideration to wildlife issues on nonfederally held mineral estates. Oil and gas companies who are good corporate citizens have made a conscious decision to seek wildlife data and confer with the Colorado Division of Wildlife regarding major wildlife factors. More and more, these companies are finding it feasible to accommodate wildlife through use of advanced drilling technology. Others have worked with the Division to address wildlife issues at the beginning of their process, but have failed to maintain their attention to these issues later as they seek greater wellpad density. The duration of a company’s adherence to its initial resolutions concerning wildlife habitat has depended on the company’s internal decision-making or, in some cases, the sale of the company.

Other energy companies, however, have not demonstrated any interest in discussing critical wildlife habitat information. The Oil and Gas Commission has approved requests by such an energy company to increase the density of gas wellpads amid critical winter range for mule deer in Western Colorado. Division wildlife managers repeatedly asked for consideration of the impacts the reduced spacing of wellpads would have on this winter range for our native deer herd. Yet the Oil and Gas Commission gave wildlife managers no voice in the process of reaching the decision. This should not continue. We believe, therefore, that a change in the composition of the Oil and Gas Commission is important. A member of the Commission who has some interest and expertise in wildlife considerations would likely ensure that wildlife data are considered in a timely and appropriate manner.

As Coloradoans and Americans, we recognize the need for responsible energy development. We heat our homes with natural gas and use gasoline in our cars and trucks. But energy development need not, and must not, come at the expense of our remarkable wildlife resource and the traditions and heritage it represents. Colorado’s natural resources, if properly sustained, will only increase in value, both in direct dollars to business and in the quality of life that make Colorado such a special place to live and work.

READER COMMENTS