Dear Editor,

In answer to Bernie Boettcher’s “$22 billion question,” I will offer the following comments.

He insinuates all of those birds, critters, fish and plants will be annihilated, or drastically impaired.

Fact is, most modern oil/gas companies have environmental experts on their staff to advise them how to go about their business in the most environmentally “friendly” way.

I have hunted, fished and hiked all over Colorado for 60 years and found excellent conditions in areas that have, or had, oil and gas operations. In many cases, the conditions were even better in areas that reclaimed vegetation on pipeline rights of way than in “virgin” terrain.

Also, I think the counties, state and U.S. government could use the revenue (billions of dollars) for many worthy causes, not just county commissioner raises ” and maybe we could even lower our dependence on foreign energy supplies.

Please think a little deeper about the long-range impacts.

Ed Burkland

Glenwood Springs