DENVER — The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Trevor Kincaid after Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Director Matt Lepore made inaccurate statements about fracking opponents. Lepore stated that those concerned were wealthy individuals who weren’t concerned about home energy costs. Lepore’s statement illustrates the COGCC’s misunderstanding of local concerns over drilling and fracking in Colorado.
“It’s unfortunate when officials charged with protecting the public good don’t know the public they are charged to protect. The concerns about fracking range from the health impacts on children to plummeting home values to lost open spaces. These aren’t the concerns of wealthy aristocrats; these are the concerns of mothers and fathers, teachers and small business owners ‚Äì Coloradans who want fracking on their terms. Mr. Lepore owes Coloradans an apology and might do well by visiting with some of the people who are genuinely concerned.”