Fracking your future (Denver, Boulder, Erie: insuring, safety, authority)

[CosmicWizard]

Idunn wrote: Apparently the EPA has not cared to keep entirely accurate records of even how many aquifer exemptions it has granted, where they are, or who likely affected.

No surprise there. We are told that EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency, whereas in reality it is more of an Environmental Polluters Association.

The EPA is a good example of Orwellian Doublespeak:

Doublespeak is language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms ( e.g., "downsizing" for layoffs, "servicing the target" for bombing ), in which case it is primarily meant to make the truth sound more palatable. It may also refer to intentional ambiguity in language or to actual inversions of meaning (for example, naming a state of war "peace"). In such cases, doublespeak disguises the nature of the truth. Doublespeak is most closely associated with political language

[Idunn]

"There is no common ground upon which to craft a means to harmonize the state and local interest. The conflict in this case is an irreconcilable conflict," she said.

In cases of conflict, the state's rules and interests take precedence.' [1]



Boulder district Judge D.D. Mallard ruled today, Thursday, that the town of Longmont cannot keep fracking out of its community. She has, however, issued a stay pending a possible appeal to a higher court.

After the citizens of Longmont voted to ban fracking in their community, suit was filed against them in 2012 by the Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA), this an industry group. The judge later added the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a state agency, as another plaintiff in the case. This is the case that was decided today, in favor of the oil and gas industry, and Governor Hickenlooper and his ilk.

In addition to the town of Longmont, defendants in this case were the Sierra Club, Earthworks, Our Longmont, Our Future, Our Health, and Food and Water Watch. Sam Schabacker of Food and Water Watch says their group "absolutely" intends to appeal this decision.

It might be noted that Judge Mallard said that state law takes precedence over that local. And that she didn't have the authority to change state law. So technically this matter will have to resolved at the state level.

If of course every citizen and community making an effort to better regulate or eliminate fracking within their communities makes some difference. And perhaps in total a block of public opinion that no Colorado politician and their oil backers can ignore save at peril to their schemes (or future in politics).

1) 'Longmont can't ban fracking, court decides, but ruling is stayed pending appeal,' Denver Business Journal
Colorado city can't ban fracking, court decides, but ruling is stayed pending appeal - Denver Business Journal

[CosmicWizard]

^^^^^Many 'laws' in recent years are little more than thinly disguised devices to legalize the criminality of corporate enterprise.

[Idunn]

'State rules require companies to report spills to a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission database, the owner of land where a spill happens, state health authorities if contaminants reach water, and a local government designee. But government officials generally don't announce spills or otherwise notify nearby residents.' [1]



Colorado citizens will likely be the last ones to hear of the accidental release of hazardous fracking substances in Colorado—if they ever do.

As of mid-July, the COGCC (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the responsible Colorado agency) had received reports of 575 such spills. This figure since adjusted downward to 467, due accounting irregularities. In either event, near the figure of 521 incidents reported in all of 2013.

The public is not informed of most of these incidents. Save those more notable not easily covered up. Such as that reported on June 20 of 7,260 gallons of crude oil and condensate due Noble Energy into the Poudre River near Windsor, upriver of Greeley.

Moreover most spills go entirely unreported, as no requirement to do so for those of less than 210 gallons (but if leaking out of all containment, then this limit a more strict 42 gallons).

The chemical Benzene is a case in point. It is only one of a host of toxic chemicals used in fracking. It is a known human carcinogen. It is clear, evaporates into air quickly, dissolving into water somewhat. And while one may be more likely to come into contact with it in a broad range of manufactured products, or cigarette smoke, exposure to but small quantities can be problematic. In example, the MRL (minimal risk level) for chronic-duration inhalation exposure is but 0.003ppm (parts per million). [2]

Meanwhile, on the larger and more obvious front, 5.7 percent or 142 reported spills (those most usually exceeding 210 gallons) contaminated Colorado surface water, this of the total some 2,500 spills reported since January 2010. Of those at least 375, or 15.2 percent, contaminated groundwater.

If a reported spill presumably threatened one's residence and neighborhood, likely first informed by first responders such as firefighters. If, that is, the state bothers to tell you anything at all.

1) 'Oil and gas spills surge, two a day, residents often not notified,' The Denver Post
Oil and gas spills surge, two a day, residents often not notified - The Denver Post

2) 'ToxGuide for Benzene,' ATSDR/CDC
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-3.pdf

[nana5341]

Originally Posted by cosmicwizard

idunn wrote: apparently the epa has not cared to keep entirely accurate records of even how many aquifer exemptions it has granted, where they are, or who likely affected.

no surprise there. We are told that epa stands for environmental protection agency, whereas in reality it is more of an environmental polluters association.

The epa is a good example of orwellian doublespeak:

doublespeak is language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms ( e.g., "downsizing" for layoffs, "servicing the target" for bombing ), in which case it is primarily meant to make the truth sound more palatable. It may also refer to intentional ambiguity in language or to actual inversions of meaning (for example, naming a state of war "peace"). In such cases, doublespeak disguises the nature of the truth. Doublespeak is most closely associated with political language

right on! Well said!

[Idunn]

“This deal — which averts a divisive and counterproductive ballot fight over one-size-fits-all restrictions — is welcome news and underscores how all of Colorado benefits when we find common ground," Udall said in a statement.' [1]


Governor Hickenlooper has achieved a "deal" which silences the voices and vote of Coloradoans, leaving fracking to continue as before. Reached today, it removes all anti-fracking ballot initiatives from the November election.

Not only our oil and gas governor, but politicians such as Colorado Senator Mark Udall and Representative Jared Polis are thrilled that oil companies will not be inconvenienced in their fracking operations. Contender for Colorado governor, Representative Cory Gardner sees this as a "balanced way forward."

And what is gained by Coloradoans? Hickenlooper has promised to withdraw his lawsuit against the town of Longmont. To "consider" in 2015 if perhaps fracking in Colorado might be better managed. That which has more than doubled in active fracking wells since 2004, with 25,283, to 53,337 today (as of June, 2014). [1]

Left in the lurch are the 500,000 Coloradoans who signed in some order the 4 ballot initiatives concerning fracking—all now withdrawn due this "deal." Uncertain as of this writing if pro-fracking initiatives will remain on the November ballot.

1) 'Deal will keep fracking battle off Colorado ballot,' Los Angeles Times
Deal will keep fracking battle off Colorado ballot - LA Times

[CosmicWizard]

^^^^OF the corporation! BY the corporation! & FOR the corporation!

The f*ck*ng democrats are even worse then the republicans. At least the republicans are out front and vocal about being corporate supporters. The democrats speak with a forked tongue.

The talk is: being for the people,

The walk is: being for the corporation.


What a bunch of slime ball, sleaze bags. Obviously these people don't believe in hell, and if perchance they do, they see it as a desirable place to be! If hell exists, it'll be full of politicains. That possibility alone will do more than any preachers sermon to keep the rest of us on good behaviour.

[Colorado Rambler]

Originally Posted by Idunn

“This deal — which averts a divisive and counterproductive ballot fight over one-size-fits-all restrictions — is welcome news and underscores how all of Colorado benefits when we find common ground," Udall said in a statement.' [1]


Governor Hickenlooper has achieved a "deal" which silences the voices and vote of Coloradoans, leaving fracking to continue as before. Reached today, it removes all anti-fracking ballot initiatives from the November election.

Not only our oil and gas governor, but politicians such as Colorado Senator Mark Udall and Representative Jared Polis are thrilled that oil companies will not be inconvenienced in their fracking operations. Contender for Colorado governor, Representative Cory Gardner sees this as a "balanced way forward."

And what is gained by Coloradoans? Hickenlooper has promised to withdraw his lawsuit against the town of Longmont. To "consider" in 2015 if perhaps fracking in Colorado might be better managed. That which has more than doubled in active fracking wells since 2004, with 25,283, to 53,337 today (as of June, 2014). [1]

Left in the lurch are the 500,000 Coloradoans who signed in some order the 4 ballot initiatives concerning fracking—all now withdrawn due this "deal." Uncertain as of this writing if pro-fracking initiatives will remain on the November ballot.

1) 'Deal will keep fracking battle off Colorado ballot,' Los Angeles Times
Deal will keep fracking battle off Colorado ballot - LA Times

Good god! We have met the enemy and he is us. We only find common ground when those of us who wish for an issue to be put upon the ballet for a vote are disenfranchised? With that happy news I actually, honestly hope that the Western Slope finally does secede from the rest of the Colorado.

Originally Posted by Cosmic Wizard

^^^^OF the corporation! BY the corporation! & FOR the corporation!

The f*ck*ng democrats are even worse then the republicans. At least the republicans are out front and vocal about being corporate supporters. The democrats speak with a forked tongue.

The talk is: being for the people,

The walk is: being for the corporation.


What a bunch of slime ball, sleaze bags. Obviously these people don't believe in hell, and if perchance they do, they see it as a desirable place to be! If hell exists, it'll be full of politicains. That possibility alone will do more than any preachers sermon to keep the rest of us on good behaviour.

You must spread some reputation around before giving it to CosmicWizard again. I agree, Cosmic. That rips it. My allegiance to the democratic party was already getting pretty frayed around the edges and I'm throwing that thread bare garmet into the garbage where it belongs. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a little private business to conduct with Kinder Morgan and a certain stretch of pipeline.

[ashleynj]

I have been thinking about moving to Colorado next year and the only thing now I am concerned about is fracking. I know many (or maybe most) people think it's no big deal, but I disagree. I've been doing a lot of reading and Colorado seems so perfect for me, but I just don't know if I should ignore what is going on with this issue.

[CosmicWizard]

Ignore it and it'll go away of its own accord!