Drilled in: Limit impact on wildlife
By Jennifer Brown
Denver Post Staff Writer
Denver Post
Article Last Updated:02/21/2007 12:45:28 AM MST
Colorado hunters, anglers and outfitters packed a Capitol hearing room
Tuesday in support of legislation intended to minimize the oil- and-gas
industry's impact on wildlife.
The House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee passed
the bill on a 13-0 vote.
The legislation, House Bill 1298, would require the state Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission to consult the state Division of Wildlife about
the effects of drilling on everything from elk breeding to trout
spawning to bowhunting.
The legislation could result in fewer drilling pads and roads in prime
wildlife habitat by requiring oil companies to drill more wells from
one spot.
"We need oil and gas resources to heat our homes and to provide energy
for our daily lives," said Clare Bastable, conservation director for
the Colorado Mountain Club.
"But it need not come at the expense of the wildlife habitat and
hunting opportunities that have been part of Colorado's heritage for
generations," she said.
In Wyoming, where the oil-and- gas boom began first, studies have
documented the industry's impact on wildlife.
One study funded by the oil-and- gas industry found a 46 percent
decline in migratory mule deer in a heavily drilled area near Pinedale.
Studies also show that more than 2 miles of road per square mile leads
to a 50 percent reduction in the elk population, Bastable said.
A coalition of more than 50 sportsmen and conservationist groups urged
the state to protect wilderness and the hunting industry, which
generates $2 billion a year in Colorado.
The bill passed with support from the Colorado Oil and Gas Association
after some of its specifics were deleted, allowing room for the
commission and the Division of Wildlife to develop a list of
guidelines.
"This is the version of the bill that will allow the bill to stay
alive," said Rep. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, sponsor of the
legislation.
Several oil companies already are trying to minimize their impact on
wildlife, said Ken Wonstolen, an attorney representing the Colorado Oil
and Gas Association.
Williams Production Co. has the technology to drill 22 wells from a
single well pad. EnCana Corp. is studying the industry's impact on sage
grouse.
The legislation is not intended to diminish oil and gas production but
to "reduce the footprint by the industry left on the land," said Bob
Elderkin of the Colorado Mule Deer Association.
"It's the constant shuffling around of men and equipment - that's what
drives the game out," he said.
Colorado issued a record 5,904 oil and gas drilling permits in 2006,
more than double the permit total from two years earlier. Oil and gas
make for a $20 billion industry in Colorado, including a $4 billion
payroll and 70,000 jobs.
By Jennifer Brown
Denver Post Staff Writer
Denver Post
Article Last Updated:02/21/2007 12:45:28 AM MST
Colorado hunters, anglers and outfitters packed a Capitol hearing room
Tuesday in support of legislation intended to minimize the oil- and-gas
industry's impact on wildlife.
The House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee passed
the bill on a 13-0 vote.
The legislation, House Bill 1298, would require the state Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission to consult the state Division of Wildlife about
the effects of drilling on everything from elk breeding to trout
spawning to bowhunting.
The legislation could result in fewer drilling pads and roads in prime
wildlife habitat by requiring oil companies to drill more wells from
one spot.
"We need oil and gas resources to heat our homes and to provide energy
for our daily lives," said Clare Bastable, conservation director for
the Colorado Mountain Club.
"But it need not come at the expense of the wildlife habitat and
hunting opportunities that have been part of Colorado's heritage for
generations," she said.
In Wyoming, where the oil-and- gas boom began first, studies have
documented the industry's impact on wildlife.
One study funded by the oil-and- gas industry found a 46 percent
decline in migratory mule deer in a heavily drilled area near Pinedale.
Studies also show that more than 2 miles of road per square mile leads
to a 50 percent reduction in the elk population, Bastable said.
A coalition of more than 50 sportsmen and conservationist groups urged
the state to protect wilderness and the hunting industry, which
generates $2 billion a year in Colorado.
The bill passed with support from the Colorado Oil and Gas Association
after some of its specifics were deleted, allowing room for the
commission and the Division of Wildlife to develop a list of
guidelines.
"This is the version of the bill that will allow the bill to stay
alive," said Rep. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, sponsor of the
legislation.
Several oil companies already are trying to minimize their impact on
wildlife, said Ken Wonstolen, an attorney representing the Colorado Oil
and Gas Association.
Williams Production Co. has the technology to drill 22 wells from a
single well pad. EnCana Corp. is studying the industry's impact on sage
grouse.
The legislation is not intended to diminish oil and gas production but
to "reduce the footprint by the industry left on the land," said Bob
Elderkin of the Colorado Mule Deer Association.
"It's the constant shuffling around of men and equipment - that's what
drives the game out," he said.
Colorado issued a record 5,904 oil and gas drilling permits in 2006,
more than double the permit total from two years earlier. Oil and gas
make for a $20 billion industry in Colorado, including a $4 billion
payroll and 70,000 jobs.
