Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development (CRED) is a group that claims to be dedicated to promoting responsible energy development in Colorado. However, there is mounting evidence that suggests CRED is actually an astroturf group funded by the oil and gas industry.

Astroturfing is a practice where organizations create the illusion of grassroots support for a particular cause or issue. Astroturf groups are typically funded by corporations or interest groups who are trying to manipulate public opinion on a particular topic. By using sophisticated PR tactics and social media campaigns, astroturf groups can create the impression that they represent the views of ordinary people when, in fact, they are just front groups for powerful corporations.

CRED is a classic example of an astroturf group. Despite their claims to be a grassroots organization, there is strong evidence to suggest that they are actually funded by the oil and gas industry. For example, a recent investigation by The Denver Post found that CRED has received significant funding from oil and gas companies, including Anadarko Petroleum and Noble Energy. In fact, The Denver Post found that CRED’s primary funder was the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, a trade group that represents the oil and gas industry in Colorado.

This funding has allowed CRED to launch PR campaigns that promotes the interests of the oil and gas industry under the guise of promoting responsible energy development. CRED has used social media, TV ads, and other tactics to create the impression that they represent the views of ordinary Coloradans who are concerned about energy development. However, the reality is that CRED is a front group for the oil and gas industry, and their agenda is to promote the interests of their wealthy corporate backers, rather than the interests of ordinary people.

Astroturfing is deeply troubling because it undermines our democracy. When powerful corporations can create the illusion of grassroots support for their agendas, they can push policies that benefit themselves, rather than the broader public. This can lead to policies that are harmful to the environment, public health, and our economy.

So, what can we do about astroturf groups like CRED? The first step is to recognize them for what they are: front groups for powerful corporations. We need to be skeptical of groups that claim to represent the views of ordinary people but are actually funded by corporate interests. Instead, we should seek out organizations that are truly independent and have a proven track record of advocating for the public interest.

Their agenda is to promote the interests of their wealthy corporate backers, rather than the interests of ordinary Coloradans. We need to be vigilant in identifying and exposing astroturf groups like CRED, and we need to demand more transparency and accountability from all organizations that claim to represent the public interest. By doing so, we can ensure that our democracy remains strong and that the voices of ordinary people are heard.

“Industry-funded group Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development promotes drilling” June 21, 2014: https://www.denverpost.com/2014/06/21/industry-funded-group-coloradans-for-responsible-energy-development-promotes-drilling/