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Letter: Support BLM air quality rule

One of the sad effects of 500 nuclear tests last century was the radioactive fallout that contaminated the world’s atmosphere even today. Pollution, like air, knows no boundaries.

Members of the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance feel it’s unfortunate that some industry affiliates and politicians are not interested in protecting air quality for everyone. These officials continue to block policies that could protect our limited breathable air, especially when it comes to oil and gas development.

In 2014, Colorado led the country in passing some of the strongest air quality rules to limit the release of methane and volatile organic compounds from oil and gas activities. And at this very moment the BLM is trying to finalize a nationwide rule based on our work in Colorado.



BLM’s proposed “Methane and Waste Reduction Rule” targets the reduction of methane and other chemicals discharged during natural gas production due to the lack of best management practices in O&G production. The rule would encompass limits on the amount of natural gas burned off during flaring and require operators to conduct leak detection inspections more often.

Yet Rep. Scott Tipton and the Garfield County commissioners have refused to support BLM’s endeavor to protect our air quality on federal lands. Air pollution from O&G drilling in neighboring states will continue to be detrimental to the health of western Colorado residents.



Grand Valley Citizens members believe there needs to be increased cooperation, enhanced scientific study and more timely action from federal, state and local government officials to protect our air quality from the negative effects of O&G development, such as this BLM rule proposes. That effort needs to start here, at home and in Congress, now.

Leslie Robinson

Chair, Grand Valley Citizens Alliance


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