Democrats applaud guv’s stance
Dear Editor:
I would like to praise Governor John Hickenlooper for opposing drilling in the Thompson Divide area. The 221,500 acres that are proposed for drilling are one of our most gorgeous landscapes in Colorado.
Communities and towns in Mesa, Pitkin, Gunnison, Garfield and Delta counties have been working diligently to protect our national forests, our water supply and our homes and kids from harmful development. There has been some success in preventing the gas industry from developing these areas, but it's been an uphill battle, and small communities have a hard time being heard. Oil and gas drilling so close to ski resorts and areas that are used by sportsmen and outdoor folk could drive our economy into the ground. Small towns depend on their natural beauty to bring in visitors. Beyond these economic reasons for opposing drilling is the harm it could do to not only drinking water but irrigation water as well.
The Delta County Democrats therefore applaud Governor Hickenlooper's stance and look forward to his continued support for Western Slope and mountain communities.
Genevieve L. Novinger
Vice Chair
Delta County
Democrats