The oil and gas industry is a critical player in our local economy and holds a big piece of the puzzle to our country’s energy independence. So why do we keep trying to drive it away?

In the last month I’ve learned of several family friends in the oil and gas industry who are being transferred out of our area to New Mexico and Texas. They don’t want to leave this beautiful area, but they have to go where the jobs are and where they can continue to support their families. These are great community members, with good paying jobs that allow them to contribute to our community’s well-being in numerous ways.

Now, more than ever we need to help get the oil and gas industry flourishing again in western Colorado. The secretary of state is now reviewing petition signatures to see if two initiative restricting oil and gas development will be on the ballot in November. These initiatives are bad for western Colorado. These initiatives will ban oil and gas development in at least 90 percent of the state, which could translate into 90,000 jobs lost, and a reduction of nearly $28 billion in economic activity in our state.

I urge you to warn your friends and neighbors about both of these initiatives. Let’s do our part to help an industry that has done so much to help us. Instead of hampering their development in Colorado let’s make it known that we support responsible oil and gas development and welcome them home.

Keira Bresnahan

Piceance Energy Action Council