The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) voted today to approve the controversial 32,000-acre Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan (CAP). The four voting commissioners were extremely divided on the decision. Each commissioner acknowledged flaws and deficiencies in the operator’s application, though they disagreed on whether those issues could be resolved through future hearings on specific well pad applications. They eventually approved the CAP by a vote of 3-1, with the contingency that each individual oil and gas development plan within the CAP must use electric drilling and production to reduce noise and emissions.
The decision culminates a nearly two-year process that began when Crestone Peak Resources, a subsidiary of Civitas Resources, submitted its application for approval. Save The Aurora Reservoir (STAR), a nonprofit comprising area residents concerned about the CAP’s negative impacts on public health, the environment, and wildlife, was quick to respond to the ruling.
“We are devastated by the Commission’s decision to approve the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan,” said STAR President Marsha Goldsmith Kamin. “This is without doubt the wrong decision for the health, safety, and environment of our community.”
Her sentiments were echoed by STAR founder Kevin Chan.
“STAR is deeply disappointed that the commission approved this project but failed to address our concerns,” Chan said. “We will continue to monitor the project and will elevate community concerns throughout the life of this comprehensive area plan.”
Kamin noted that in its testimony, STAR had argued that the plan submitted by Civitas presents major risks to public health, safety, the environment, and wildlife resources that are inadequately mitigated by the so-called “industry standard” practices they have proposed. She expressed her concern that the state “has decided to take the industry’s word that they will make a best effort to protect people, wildlife, and the environment. We are not quite so trusting and will be closely watching to see if their actions match their words.”
And while today’s CAP hearing is complete, the journey for STAR is far from over. Kamin said that the group will continue to take every possible opportunity to appeal to relevant government jurisdictions regarding this project as it moves forward, including during the state’s hearings on each well pad.
“We’re not giving up,” she said.
