Health Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing

Speakers

Joann Ginal

State representative from Fort Collins who serves on the House Health Environment committee is also a biologist with a Ph. D. in endocrinology. Joann earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire, and a Masters degree in Zoology from Iowa State University. In 1997, she earned a Ph.D. in Reproductive Endocrinology from Colorado State University. Joann has worked in the biological and medical fields for more than 20 years as a scientist with a focus in pharmacology, in research and most recently as a medical science liaison in medical affairs. She is concerned with the health impacts of hydraulic fracturing. She will recap the bill, HB 1275, that she presented this session.

Wes Wilson

Acquired a Bachelors of Science Degree in Geological Engineering University of Arizona 1969 and a Masters of Science Degree in Water Resources Administration, University of Arizona, 1973. Wes was in the US Army Corp of Engineers, and had been employed by the EPA in Denver since 1974. He retired from federal civil service in January 2010. In his work he has stressed the importance of scientific objectivity and lack of conflicts-of-interest.

Phil Doe

Formerly with the U.S Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, was head of the policy office overseeing federal water subsidies to irrigated agriculture. He authored the federal rules and regulations on this program. He was a whistleblower on 60 Minutes against Big Ag’s attempts to thwart controls set by Congress on agricultural water subsidies. He helped start and lead a grassroots organization opposed to the wasteful Animas-La Plata water project. He has authored of numerous articles in Colorado and national periodicals regarding water issues; most recently in EcoWatch where he has published 4 articles in the last couple of months, one a full discussion of fracking in Colorado. He is Environmental Issues Director for Be the Change, and works with Wes Wilson on public education Please come. Invite interested parties to open a discussion.

When:  Tuesday June 25, 2013

Time:  6:00-8:00 PM

Where:  Unitarian Universalist, 929 15th Street, Church of Greeley, Greeley, 80631

Light snacks provided.

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Be FrackSURE Event

When: April 27, 2013; 9 am -5 pm Where: Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel and Conference Center 1900 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont, CO 80501 Purchase Tickets: $38 All-access, includes lunch/snacks Tickets must be purchased in advance Sponsored by: Our Longmont Join us for this interactive, informative, day-long event. Learn from the expert testimony of scientists and professionals, meet like-minded people, engage in discussion and enjoy some world-class entertainment. Celebrate our progress and motivate to keep up the fight for our health, safety and property values! Featured Speakers: Dr. Anthony Ingraffea: Professor of Engineering in Cornell University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a renowned expert on fracturing mechanics and its threats. Dr. Geoffrey Thyne: Author or co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed _scientific papers, he will speak to the complexities of research and the influence of industry and government in academic settings. Panelists: Organizing Your Community: Sam Schabacker, Food and Water Watch Health Ramifications of Water and Air Quality: Phil Doe, (Be The Change), Wes Wilson, (Retired EPA), Shane Davis Economic Ramifications of the Fracking Boom: Jeanne Basset (Environment Colorado) & Pete Morton Music by Hazel Miller More info about the event at http://www.fracksure.org ______________________________________________________________________________

Wed. Feb 27: Call-in Day and Petition Delivery to Governor Hickenlooper

Wed. February 27th, will you plan to call Governor Hickenlooper’s office to ask for an immediate moratorium on fracking? This call-in day is in support of some 12,000 petitions (or more by then) requesting a moratorium, to be delivered to the Governor’s office the same day. SIGN: If you have not already signed a petition, you can do so with several partnering groups by clicking on one of the links below: Credo Action, or Food & Water Watch or 350.org or What the Frack?! Arapahoe. DELIVER: Join us in delivering these petitions on Wednesday. We will meet on the south steps of the Capitol Building at 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO CALL: To avoid busy signals use: 1-866-862-3237 It will allow you to leave messages if there is a busy signal and enable us to track how many calls we have generated. This is a service provided by Food & Water Watch. Or you can call the governor’s office directly : 303-866-2471 _______________________________________________________________________________

FORWARD ON CLIMATE MARCH

On February 17th, people from around the country will converge on Washington, DC to demand that President Obama take strong action on climate change and stop the Keystone XL pipeline. Here in Colorado, we’re also hosting a #ForwardonClimate march and rally in Denver. Our action will be held in solidarity with activists in DC. Will you join us in Denver on February 17th? Sign up at: http://act.350.org/go/2648?t=1&akid=2666.41892.CYIl-U We’ll kick it off with a student-led “Go Fossil Free” rally, then march as a human pipeline to Civic Center Park. There we’ll converge with other groups for a mass “human oil spill” and rally. Please wear all black! WHEN:Sunday, February 17th, 11:30 AM WHERE:Start at the Auraria Campus, Tivoli Commons, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver; end at Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Join us for this celebration of Longmont’s fracking ban and other recent successes in the fight against fracking.

We’ll also be letting you know about upcoming actions and what you can do to help. Special Guest: Josh Fox, creator of the award winning documentary “Gasland”, the short film “The Sky Is Pink”, and the soon to be released “Gasland II”. Josh will make a presentation and join the jam on his banjo! Also Appearing: Phil Doe and Wes Wilson: Whistle-blowers and Be the Change board members. Angela Monti Fox: Mother of Josh Fox and founders of TheMothersProject.org, Mothers for Sustainable Energy For more info or to donate auction items: DontFrackMe@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/events/279363428832964/ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Save Colorado’s Water and Our Public Health

Frack Free Colorado is presenting a GREAT EVENT on:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 3pm-7pm, in Civic Center Park, Denver, CO

Free concert, world-renowned speakers, good ole fashioned protesting & solutions for saving ourselves from fracking! Join us!! WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SO THAT HICKENLOOPER TAKES NOTICE!! POWER IN NUMBERS!!

FEATURING:

• Jakob Dylan and Rami Jaffee from The Wallflowers
• Members of Elephant Revival plus special guests
• Daryl Hannah
• Mariel Hemingway
• Sandra Steingraber, scientist, author, and mother of this movement!
• Anandagiri, global spiritual teacher & wisdom leader
• Xiuhtezcatl of the Earth Guardians “What the Frack?”
• Leilani Münter, car racing’s Carbon Free Girl
• Russell Mendell
• Sam Schabacker, Food & Water Watch
• Shane Davis, the Fractivist
• Brook LeVan, Sustainable Settings
• Tom Weis, Ride for Renewables
• Suzanne Jones, Boulder City Councilwoman

More announcements soon! Check back for updates! Thanks for our sponsors: Patagonia, Prana, Black Diamond, Backpacker’s Pantry, Backbone Media, New Belgium, 1% for the Planet, Lighthouse Solar! And our partners: Food and Water Watch, Water Defense, CREDO, Clean Water Action, Erie Rising, The Sierra Club, and every local community coalition in the front range!!

Find out more at http://frackfreeco.com/

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“Last Call At The Oasis”

A Film Presentation Sponsored by What the Frack?! Araphaoe

It’s ALL about the Water! Life depends on clean water. We are at a Crisis Tipping Point with Water so don’t miss out on this exclusive and educational screening of Last Call At the Oasis!

When: Thursday, October 18, 2012, 7:30 pm- 9:40 pm

Where:  Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway, Denver, CO

Price: $10.00

Colorado is feeling the affects of climate change in the form of drought, higher temperatures, and forest fires. Water is Life, and in water scarce Colorado, it’s our most precious resource. Find out what the real story is for our future water security and quality of life. This film puts issues like fracking in their proper perspective. Developed, financed and executive produced by Participant Media, the company responsible for “An Inconvenient Truth”, “Food,Inc”. and “Waiting For Superman”, “LAST CALL AT THE OASIS” presents a powerful argument for why the global water crisis will be the central issue facing our world this century. Illuminating the vital role water plays in our lives, exposing the defects in the current system and depicting communities already struggling with its ill-effects, the film features activist Erin Brockovich and such distinguished experts as Peter Gleick, Alex Prud’homme, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon.

We need to sell 114 tickets by Oct. 11, 2012, to have this showing at the Mayan Theatre, Oct 18, 7:30 pm. Please sign up and pass along this information to all who will appreciate this powerful film!

Go to this website to purchase your advance ticket and see a preview of the film.

http://www.tugg.com/events/1777#.UGPb0hbnG9Y.facebook —————————————————————————————————————————————————

Please Join Us At The Following Events To Stand Up For Longmont and Local Communities Throughout Colorado

Recently, the city of Longmont passed some commonsense regulations to protect its citizens from rapidly expanding natural gas fracking in Colorado.

Fracking is a threat to our communities and our climate—but Governor Hickenlooper is taking the unprecedented step of suing the city of Longmont, claiming that local governments shouldn’t be allowed to regulate or ban the dangerous practice.

Deliver Declaration Against Fracking and Invitation to Governor Hickenlooper

WHEN: Wednesday, Septemer 19, 11:00 AM WHERE: Governor Hickenlooper’s office, 200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO Activists will deliver the “Declaration of Solidarity Against Fracking” signed by more than 6,000 Coloradans, along with an invitation for the Governor to join the “Rally ‘Round Longmont” on Sept 22. We’re inviting Hickenlooper to explain why he is suing the citizens of Longmont and allowing the gas industry to frack next to their homes, schools. PLEASE JOIN US at 10:45 am on the south side of the State Capitol Building in Denver!  We need a HUGE CROWD to help drive home our message to the governor!

Rally ‘Round Longmont

WHEN: Saturday, September 22, from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM WHERE: Rogers Grove, 220 Hover Road, Longmont, CO Hundreds of Longmont residents and concerned Coloradans will gather and speak out for local control and against fracking. We’ll have music, family activities, and solidarity. No word yet on whether Governor Hickenlooper will attend!

It’s up to us to stand up for our communities. Don’t let the Governor stand in our way.

Sign this petition and 

don’t let him get away with suing the city of Longmont. I you can’t make it to any of the world-wide events, you can still participate in the Global Frackdown on September 22 by taking action here and joining the Global Frackdown on Twitter and Facebook. And use social media to spread the word about the frackdown you’re hosting or attending. ___________________________________________________________________________________

“Last Call At The Oasis”

Presented by Boulder County Citizens for Clean Water Community Rights

It’s ALL about the Water! Life depends on clean water. We are at a Crisis Tipping Point with Water so don’t miss out on this exclusive and educational screening of Last Call At the Oasis!

When: Wednesday, August 22, 2012, 7:30 pm- 9:44 pm Where: Century Boulder 16, 1710 29th Street, Boulder, CO 80301 Price: $10.00 To purchase tickets in advance go to: http://www.tugg.com/events/1234#.UBw3v0SZOGN _____________________________________________________________________________________ DOUGLAS COUNTY AT THE CROSSROADS Fracking Pros and Cons Is fracking the future of the oil and gas industry and a good economic move, or a threat to public health?

Panelists are:

-Wes Wilson, BE THE CHANGE -USA, Formerly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the E.P.A.

-David Neslin, former director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission

-Travis Yee, Research Analyst, Colorado Oil and Gas Association

-Susan Perkins, Perkins Energy Law, an advocate for renewables, a member of the Boulder Climate Network (http://www.perkinsenergylaw.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=7) The panel will be moderated by Dominic Dezzutti of Channel 12 PBS TV. Panel members will discuss these three topics, followed by audience questions.

1. What is fracking?
2. What are the economic impacts?
3.  What are the environmental impacts?

We promise you a most interesting evening.

When:  Friday, August 3, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Where:  Highland Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, at no cost:

http://host.evanced.info/douglas/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=69069 For more information go to:  http://douglascountylibraries.org/Events/dc-crossroads-fracking-pros-and-cons

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Our Fresh Water Resources ARE Seriously Threatened

What Do You NOT Know and What Can You Do To Help?

Karen Ann of the Water Wave Project will show ‘Water Wisdom’ a multi-media slideshow designed to quickly raise awareness about the rapidly increasing scarcity and contamination of fresh water locally and worldwide, while highlighting a call for new solutions and collective action. Phil Doe, Environmental Director of “Be The Change USA” and former Chief Water specialist at the Bureau of Land Management, will describe 2 Water Protection Initiatives vital to get on this year’s ballot.These Initiatives need 100,000 signatures by end July, and Phil is calling for help with petition canvassing.

This presentation encourages people to act to benefit water in some way.  

You can start by signing our 2 ballot initiatives to protect Colorado water, which we’ll have at this event for you to sign.  You can also sign-up to help collect petition signatures.

Date: Tuesday July 10, 2012 Where: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO Time: seating & snacks at 6:30pm; showing at 7-9pm http://protectcoloradowater.org/ &  http://www.facebook.com/ProtectColoradoWater water.wave.info@gmail.com _______________________________________________________________________________________

DON’T FRACK OUR SCHOOLS!

Vista Peak and Murphy Creek Schools in Aurora, Colorado are almost completely surrounded by land leased for oil and gas drilling and fracking. (see map)

Please come to a community meeting to educate yourself about this threat and what actions can be taken to protect your homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

What:  Public Meeting About Oil and Gas Drilling and Fracking

Threats:  Toxic air and water pollution, noise, lights, and truck traffic have impacts to public health and property values.

When:  Tuesday, June 26, 2012.  6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:  Murphy Creek K-8. 1400 S. Old Tom Morris Rd. Aurora, CO.  In gym – use Main Entrance

Sponsored by: Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, Food & Water Watch, What the Frack?! Arapahoe. ______________________________________________________________________________________ STEP OUT, STEP UP!

TO ‘BE THE CHANGE’, TO PROTECT COLORADO’S WATER !

All are invited to the

Colorado Water Gala

The Grand Launch of 2 Citizen Ballot Initiatives

To Protect Colorado’s Most Precious Resource – Our Water!

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT!

SILENT AUCTION!

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS!

Wednesday evening, June 20th (Summer Solstice ) 6:30 pm

Upstairs at the Mercury Cafe 2199 California St, Denver, CO

$15.00 suggested entrance donation, but no one turned away

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A BEAUTIFUL EVENING AND FUNDRAISER FOR THE 2 CITIZEN BALLOT INITIATIVES

For more initiative information:  www.protectcoloradowater.org  Or contact: protectcoloradowater@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________________

Our Fresh Water Resources ARE seriously threatened

What Do You NOT Know and What Can You Do To Help?

Karen Ann of the Water Wave Project will show ‘Water Wisdom’ a multi-media slideshow designed to quickly raise awareness about the rapidly increasing scarcity and contamination of fresh water locally and worldwide, while highlighting a call for new solutions and collective action. Phil Doe, Environmental Director of “Be The Change USA” and former Chief Water specialist at the Bureau of Land Management, will describe 2 Water Protection Initiatives vital to get on this year’s ballot.These Initiatives need 100,000 signatures by end July, and Phil is calling for help with petition canvassing. This presentation encourages people to act to benefit water in some way. Date: Thursday June 14, 2012 Where: Whittier Community Center central Denver   2900 Downing, (end of B-Line) enter at NW corner of Bldg Time: seating & snacks at 6:30pm; showing at 7-9pm ProtectColoradoWater.org     water.wave.info@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________________________

Demand Stronger Aurora Oil and Gas Rules for Healthy Children

Don’t Frack Our Kids’ Health!

Come join us in a show of resident solidarity on June 11, asking Aurora City Council to revise the proposed oil and gas rules, to make them as strong as Elbert County’s rules

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012, at 7:15 PM

AURORA MUNICIPAL CENTER, COUNCIL CHAMBERS

15151 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora Co 80012

Toxic emissions from oil and gas development that is coming into Aurora will pose a significant risk to the health of Aurora children, especially children who live, go to school, or play near drill sites. Children are especially vulnerable to health risks associated with toxic emissions (as are pregnant women, the elderly, and the already health-impaired), as pointed out by numerous medical societies and medical organizations. Aurora’s City Council has come up with a set of draft rules for Oil and Gas Development in Aurora and could vote them in at the June 11 meeting. The proposed rules are very weak and do not exercise the full rights of a home rule city Here in Colorado, Elbert County, has strong proposed rules, which prohibit the release of highly toxic chemicals associated with oil and gas drilling into the air and into the ground (where they can pose a risk to water supplies).  It is important to attend and advise the city council to pause and take time to hear from legal counsel, such as noted attorney Barbara Green, to find options that support public health. Sign up to speak on behalf of Aurora’s kids (enter requested information and “not on agenda” on the sign in slip, take it to the front of Chambers to the clerk. You will have 3 minutes to address Council. Let them know that you want them to exercise their FULL powers of home rule and re-write the rules to clearly:

– Prohibit emission into the air of toxic chemicals or oil or gas, including methane gas and deadly hydrogen sulfide gas

– Prohibit injection underground of toxic chemicals

– Prohibit any industrial process that poses risk of permanent contamination of area surface or ground water,

ALL TO PREVENT SIGNIFICANT HARM TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, INCLUDING THREATS TO OUR CLEAN AIR, WATER AQUIFERS, WATER WELLS, WATER RESERVOIR, AND SURFACE WATER.  

Many, many people must attend for city council to take notice!  Just be there to be counted!  It’s Up To You!

Please touch base with one of the What the Frack?! Arapahoe volunteers prior to speaking to City Council

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Protect Our Schools From Fracking!

Rally & Public Meeting to Protect Our Schools!

RSVP Today!

 RSVP Today! In a coalition with several organizations, Clean Water Action is sponsoring 2 events in the next week – you are invited to attend! Drilling and fracking cause negative impacts to air, water, property, natural areas, river flows, and neighborhoods.  The State’s current regulations on drilling and fracking are so weak that schools, playgrounds, homes, and businesses have been negatively impacted.  Further, drilling and fracking have caused household water to catch fire and livestock and wildlife to be killed, and people living near drilling and fracking report health effects including nose bleeds, headaches, asthma attacks, and worse. Please Come to One or Both of these events to Protect Colorado’s Schools From Fracking. Thank you for your support! Gary Wockner Colorado Program Director; Clean Water Action ___________________________________________________________________________________

Earth Day Rally : Don’t Frack Colorado

Where:  Colorado State Capitol WEST Steps; 200 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

When: Sunday,  April 22, 2012; 1-3 p.m.

Why:  To make our voices heard at the capitol, and have fun doing it.  A day for people of all ages to honor Mother Earth and rally to protect Colorado’s land, air, and water!

Join us to tell our elected officials that we want:

• Sustainable Energy For Colorado • Ban ALL Oil and Gas Extraction from Shalebeds, so our Air, Limited Water, our Health & Livelihoods are Protected

Events: Family Fun & Serious FUN.  Speakers (CO fracking victims, Water Experts…) + Meet Community Anti-Fracking Groups + Information + Singing Groups + Kids’ Activities + Music + Petitions to Sign + More!

Co-Sponsored (to date) by: Denver Community Rights*, Anti-Fracking groups across metro Denver, Occupy Denver, 350.org

*Denver Community Rights was formed out of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) Denver Democracy School in Feb. 2012; e-mail DenverCommunityRights@gmail.org.

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CITIZENS FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

“Understanding the Risks of Oil & Gas Development”   

Free and open to the public – Tell your neighbors and friends

Saturday, March 31st, 12:30-5:00 pm

Hotchkiss High School Commons Area

 Presenters include:

http://citizensforahealthycommunity.org/news/event-understanding-the-risks-of-oil-gas-development-march-31st

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Tell Gov. Hickenlooper To Withdraw This Misleading Oil And Gas Ad!!!

A misleading radio ad is floating around the state that claims Colorado has “not had one instance of groundwater contamination associated with drilling and hydraulic fracturing.” The truth is, as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and a Denver Post investigation have proven, groundwater contamination remains a major problem with oil and gas production in our state. It’s especially troubling that this radio ad was recorded by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Ask Hickenlooper to take the ad down now. Sign the petition at: https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2031&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=ps0f0z01je.app334b ______________________________________________________ The Coalition for a Clean Colorado, a newly formed alliance of grassroots citizen groups working to protect their communities from destructive oil and gas drilling and fracking, has a petition and an open letter to Governor Hickenlooper. Sign their petition at: http://www.change.org/petitions/time-to-clean-up-colorado  Below is their open letter to Governor Hickenlooper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ceal Smith, Renewable Communities Alliance/Coalition for a Clean Colorado, ceal@theriver.com, 719.256.5780 Jen Palazzolo, Coalition for a Clean Colorado, rxmonkey@rxmonkey.com, 720-839-9079 March 1, 2012 Open Letter to Governor Hickenlooper The Coalition for a Clean Colorado is a newly formed alliance of grassroots citizen groups working to protect their communities from destructive oil and gas drilling and fracking.   We are united in our belief, that clean air and water, clean government and an economy powered by local, clean energy are essential for healthy communities and a livable future.  We depend on and expect our elected officials to represent and protect our interests. Your recent advertisements on behalf of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA), an industry that stands to reap billions from the accelerated extraction of dirty and life threatening fossil energy, is in direct conflict with your sworn duty to prevent adverse environmental and human health impacts to the People of Colorado, and a shocking breach of public trust. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s own database confirms over 1,000 oil and gas spills have impacted groundwater since 2009. These releases and other chemical emissions, legalized through multiple industry exemptions, have long impacted the health, safety and welfare of our communities.  It’s time these impacts be acknowledged and mitigated with the level of diligence the citizens of Colorado deserve. County land use regulations, ordinances and charter amendments empowered by the Colorado Constitution and upheld by the courts, are the only means left for people to protect their communities from the abuses of an overly powerful industry.  Two weeks ago, thousands of citizens and the legislature spoke firmly against total state preemption as embodied in HB 12-088 and in favor of local regulatory authority over oil and gas activities. Your executive order on fracking goes against the will of the people and undermines our democratic process.  We, the people of Colorado who will be directly affected by its decisions, are in no way represented by the Task Force; therefore, we call on you to rescind the executive order. Respectfully,

• Jennifer Palazzolo, for Coalition for a Clean Colorado
• Ceal Smith, for Renewable Communities Alliance
• Keli Kringel, President for Citizens for Huerfano County, La Veta, CO
• Sonia Skakich-Scrima, Founder, for What the Frack?! Arapahoe, CO
• Joe Bassman, for LongmontROAR, Longmont, CO
• April Beach, for Erie Rising, Erie, CO
• Rick Blotter, for Elbert County Oil & Gas Interest Group (ECOGIG), Agate, CO
• Ken Regelson, for RenewablesYES!, Boulder, CO
• Doris LeDue, for The South Park Coalition, Inc., Como, CO
• Phil Doe, for Be The Change, Denver, CO
• Robert James IV, for Be The Change, USA, Lakewood, CO
• Kyle Elston, for Routt County Frack, Steamboat Springs, CO
• Alison Gannett, Founder for North Fork Fracking, Paonia, CO
• Lisa Bracken, for Journey of the Forsaken, Silt, CO
• Greg Eells, PE for Coloradoans for Fair Rates and Clean Energy (CO-FORCE)
• Kathleen Dudley, for Drilling Mora County, Mora, NM
• B. Arrindell, Director for Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, Milanille, PA

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House Bill 12-1277 Action Alert!  

Go to What Can I Do? for more information — deadline Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, 1:30 pm.

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Rally at the Aurora Municipal Building

Join Our Rescheduled Rally At:

The Aurora Municipal Building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO (along Alameda and Chambers)

Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:15 – 10:00 AM

 Let our city council know that they need to protect the public, and recognize the true costs of fracking to our community, before allowing it to occur in our city!! They will be having an oil and gas workshop to discuss drilling operations and to discuss whether to impose a moratorium on fracking, and they need to hear from as many Aurora residents opposed to fracking as possible. Will you tell the Aurora City Council to Ban Fracking Now?  The public can attend the workshop, but can not speak. However your signs and presence speaks volumes! The workshop meeting begins at 10:00 am in the City Council Chambers.

Whether you can come to the rally or not, signing this petition will let the Aurora City Council know that you are against fracking in our city.   http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9328

You can also call the main Council phone and leave a message for Council and the Mayor: 303-739-7015  and Email all Council Members: citycouncil@auroragov.orgCity ordinances don’t protect Aurorans from the oil and gas industry’s negative impacts, such as

• highly toxic emissions
• risk of groundwater contamination from underground storage of toxic water 
• degraded quality of life due to 24/7 heavy tanker truck traffic
• declining property values
• the demonstrated high risk of spills/ accidents/fire/explosion/blowout/ and leakage that threaten public safety

Aurora needs a public accounting of the many steep costs of oil and gas development, and not just consider possible revenues! Aurora has the power to write ordinances that protect the city and its residents, and must be encouraged to step up to that responsibility! We need a 6 month moratorium for the city to get this urgent job done! Here are some possible slogans for your signs:

• No fracking our home values!
• No fracking our quality of life!
• No fracking our children’s health!
• No fracking our water!
• No fracking way!
• Aurora: Don’t frack it up!
• Check the zoning: my HOA is not in a heavy industrial zone!
• 6 month time-out to figure it out !

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Fracturing Colorado:  Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) For Oil & Gas

Unadvertised Significant Impacts and Real Long-term Costs of Fracking in Colorado

What:  Do we know what we are trading for oil and gas revenues? What will the impacts be to: public health and safety, water, quality of life, rights of local government to self determination, the environment, climate change, small business sectors, and property values? Come join the public discussion of the issues with four great speakers. Weston Wilson: Former EPA Environmental Engineer who blew the whistle to Congress in 2005 regarding the scientific evidence of threats to water from the new technique of horizontal hydraulic fracturing; featured in the award-winning documentary film on fracking, “Gasland”; prominent national speaker on the environmental impacts of fracking; Scientific Advisor to Be The Change. Phil Doe: Formerly with Dept of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, overseeing federal water subsides to irrigated agriculture and became a whistleblower against big Ag’s attempts to thwart controls set by Congress on Ag water subsidies; helped start and lead a grassroots organization opposed to the wasteful Animas-La Plata water project; author of numerous articles in Colorado and national periodicals regarding water issues; Environmental Issues Director for Be The Change. Shane Davis: Research biologist; Chairman, Sierra Club Poudre Canyon Group. Sonia Skakich-Scrima: Founder of concerned citizens group “What the Frack?! Arapahoe” and organizer of an alliance of Colorado grassroots groups regarding oil and gas extraction issues; educator; research coordinator for a health diagnostic center; board member of Be The Change. Where: First Universalist Church of Denver, 4101 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO 80222 (Colorado Blvd. and Hampden Ave., Denver CO) When:Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

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Friday, January 20, 2012:  Two Opportunities to See “Gasland” in Boulder & Denver

In Boulder, CO

Where:  Boulder County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1728 Walnut St. #B, Boulder, CO (Back end of the building/via the alley.  Park along the alley or on the parking garage.  Please don’t park in what looks like open parking near the building — they will tow you immediately!) When & What:  Friday, Jan. 20, 2012

• 6:15 pm Meet, Greet and Pot Luck.
• 6:45- 9:30 pm Movie and Discussion with Community Leaders.
• Shane Davis’ talk at 8:45 after the movie. If you have seen Gasland and don’t want to see it again, just come for the potluck and Shane’s talk. 

Who:  Shane is a fracking expert and speaker extraordinaire and he’s the chairman of the Poudre Canyon Group of Sierra Club. Shane has worked for NOAA, Natioanl Marine Fisheries Service, State Parks, the Department of Defense and other agencies in biological and environmental sciences and founded and currently directs an environmental conservation organization called Footprints of Nature.   There will be people coming as well who have been and are being fracked. We are all part of the discussion. Fracking has been going on in Boulder County on Open Space, as well as privately, and will be coming within Boulder city limits unless we assert our community rights and stop it.  Please come be part of this evening. For More Information Contact:  Mary S., Pam, or Rebecca Browning, BCDP Platform, at: platform@bouldercountydems.org

In Denver, CO

Where:  Hooked on Colfax Coffee-Books-Community, 3213 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO,  303-398-2665 (1/2 mile west of Colorado Blvd., between Adams and Steele, on north side of Colfax)  Please observe the parking signs:  Steele St., 16th Ave, and Colfax Ave. usually have available parking spaces. *Admission is free, donations are welcome, and buy a beverage from Hooked on Colfax to support them. When:  Friday, January 20, 2012, 6:45 – 9:45 pm.  

• 6:45-7:00 Announcements and introductions.  
• 7:00 – 9:12 Video.  
•  9:12 – 9:45 Discussion.

What:  Two films will be presented.  First,  “A Question of Integrity: Politics, Ethics, and the Supreme Court (15 minute documentary) in honor of Occupy the Courts Day.  (Be sure to join the OTC rally and march in Denver, starting 10:30 am, Friday, Jan. 20, at the Capitol’s west steps)

The second film is the acclaimed “Gasland” (1 hour 40 minutes).

If you cannot attend this event, you can watch or buy Gasland online: http://gaslandthemovie.com/about-the-film Who:  Sponsored by Colorado 9/11Visibility Video and Action Meeting.  Presenting:  After the film Sonia Skakich-Scrima, founder of “What the Frack?! Arapahoe,” and organizer of an alliance of Colorado grassroots groups, will present on the body of evidence emerging regarding impacts to public health and safety, water, and the environment, uncompensated losses to individuals and local governments, and what we can do about it. 

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Downstream Neighbor 2012 Symposium / January 27-29, 2012 in Denver, Colorado

What: This extraordinary weekend symposium brings together activists, scholars & contemplatives in dialogue around the Front Range connection to the South Platte watershed. Critical conversations about our water future will be guided and inspired by international voices for Earth, water and human rights: Maude Barlow and Elisabeth Peredo Beltrán.

And yet we know: the waters flowing in and through our watershed belong to Earth, to all species, to future generations.

• What are the urgent concerns of our near and farther neighbors?
• What does it mean for the public to own the water?
• What does water need from us?
• How does water connect us, inspire us?

For more information: http://downstreamneighbor.org/  _______________________________________________________

4 Urgent and Important Actions for January 2012!!!

 REAL CHANGE IS WITHIN REACH, REGARDING THE EXTENT AND TYPE OF OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION IN AURORA, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, AND ON THE STATE LAND BOARD PROPERTY AT THE FORMER LOWRY BOMBING RANGE !

Go to our “What Can I Do?” page for full details on Actions that will make this happen! :

https://frackingcolorado.wordpress.com/what-can-i-do/

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THE PROGRESSIVE WOMEN OF COLORADO MONTHLY FORUM Your participation and interest is welcomed.  We look forward to seeing you, please feel free to send this invitation to your friends, family and neighbors. (Men are always welcome) TOPIC: The Unadvertised Impacts of Fracking a) Fracturing the Facts
                      b) Oil and Gas Development Impacts on Public Health, Safety, the Environment, Quality of Life c) Hidden Costs to the Public What we Can Do About It Presented by: Sonia Skakich-Scrima founder of  What the Frack?! Arapahoe Date:        Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Time:        5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Location: Unity Church of Denver, 3021 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80210 (Progressive Women of Colorado is not affiliated with Unity Church) Please RSVP to Wendy Flax: wendy@dreamwisemarketing.com 303-587-6139  Suggested donation:  $5-$10.   Refreshments/snacks will be served

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NOTE: The deadline for public comment has been extended to Feb. 9, 2012 because of the large amount of public response!

North Fork Valley Town Halls

What:  Community meetings are being organized by several local organizations in the North Fork to discuss the pending oil and gas lease sale by the Bureau of Land Management.

Why:   The BLM announced it would offer 22 parcels, involving 30,000 acres in the North Fork Valley, in its Aug. 9, 2012, quarterly oil and gas lease sale. A comment period on this sale ends Feb. 9, 2012.

The BLM Uncompahgre Field Office is accepting written comments through Feb. 9, 2012, regarding an environmental assessment of the 22 parcels proposed for the August 2012 sale. The BLM will evaluate parcels near Paonia, Hotchkiss, Someret and Crawford. Approximately 30,000 acres are nominated, of which about 900 acres are private surface with the remainder located on federal surface lands.

Maps of the parcels are posted online at: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Information/nepa/ufo.html.

Comments must be submitted in writing by Feb. 9, 2012, to the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office, Attn: Oil and Gas Lease Sale, 2465 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401, fax 240-5368 or co_ufo_leasing@blm.gov.

Who:   Citizens for Healthy Community, the NFRIA/WSERC Conservation Center, Valley Organic Growers Association, Western Colorado Congress, High Country Citizens Alliance, Western Food and Agricultural Council, and Slow Foods Western Slope are organizing the meetings.

When and Where: The next meetings are set for Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Paonia Town Hall, and Thursday, Jan. 5, at Crawford Town Hall. Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information: http://www.deltacountyindependent.com/news/north-fork/24905-first-of-3-meetings-on-oil-gas-leases-draws-large-crowd.html ___________________________________________________________

Aurora Community Meeting

What:  Ward II Council Member Renie Peterson is hosting a community meeting and all Aurorans are welcome to attend.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) activities and potential impacts on the City of Aurora.

Who:  Deputy City Attorney Bob Rogers, Jim Sayre from the City’s Planning Department, and representatives from the State of Colorado and Aurora Public Schools will be available at the meeting to answer questions you may have concerning this issue. 

When:   Monday, December 12, 2011 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Where:  The City of Aurora Municipal Building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO, in the Aurora Room (1st floor). 

If you have any questions please contact the City of Aurora at 303.739.7000 and let them know you are calling in regards to the fracking meeting and that you have questions.  Or contact Council offices 303-739-7015 for more information.

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COGCC Public Hearing for New

Fracking Chemical Disclosure Rules

Where:  1127 Sherman Street, Denver, Co (the State Land Board Office) Suite 300, Conference Room

When:  Monday, December 5, 2011, 9:00 am

What:  Join us to make public comments on the new disclosure rules and come with a sign to rally outside the building!  The Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission is proposing new rules for the disclosure of fracking chemicals, but no disclosure is required for “trade secret” chemicals that won’t have a data safety sheet either.

WE NEED TO SEND THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR:  COGCC MUST URGENTLY AND MEANINGFULLY REFORM OIL AND GAS REGULATIONS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND COLORADO’S ENVIRONMENT. All chemicals and their safety information must be publicly disclosed, to allow advance medical emergency response.   The state also must require: -Closed-loop systems to capture toxic emissions and fugitive methane  -Use of available non-toxic frack fluids  -Independent air and water sampling before drilling – Stop drilling applications until a water study has been done for the state to determine the impact of the massive number of drilling applications on Colorado’s water security and climate  Further, COGCC regs must acknowledge the legal capacity of cities and counties to determine oil and gas rules that make sense for their communities and that protect the public health and safety for their communities.    Colorado’s well-earned reputation for majestic beauty and healthy lifestyle is at stake.  Do we want rules driven by industry’s profit motive only or guided by rational terms to protect public health and safety?  

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Arapahoe County Public Hearing on the Proposed New County Rules on Oil & Gas Drilling on Nov. 29!

Public Hearing with the Arapahoe County Planning Commission:

Lima Plaza, Arapahoe Room, 6954 South Lima St., Centennial,

November 29, 6:30 pm

Very Important to Attend This.  Public can be heard, limited to 3 minutes each.  If you run out of time to say what you came to say, you can also submit your comments in writing at the hearing, and ask that they be entered into the public record.

If you are in support of our countywide petition, please make sure you include that information when you speak!  We need a huge number of people to attend!  If you are not a fan of public speaking, just say your name and that you support the petition.

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URGENT NEED TO COLLECT SIGNATURES ON THE PETITION AND TURN THEM IN TO

“What the Frack?!” Arapahoe by Nov. 27

In order to get a master count and to assemble them for presentation at the public hearing on the 29th:  CALL 303-917-5160 to arrange drop off of completed petitions.

In order for our efforts to be rewarded with serious consideration of our requests, we will need a very large number of signatories.  Please walk it door to door in you area, take it to work and to civic meetings to get signatures!  

THIS IS OUR WINDOW OF TIME TO GET THIS DONE, ON BEHALF OF OURSELVES AND OUR CHILDREN!

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER!

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Fracking in Colorado:  Understand Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) And Its Impact On Our Environment

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 7 pm Where: Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Dr., Parker, CO 80134                                     To Register: call 303-791-7323 or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org         Speakers: Wes Wilson: Former environmental engineer with the Denver EPA who became a whistleblower regarding the threats posed by fracking to water and air. Phil Doe: Formerly with the Dept of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, author and activist in defense of Colorado water. Shane Davis: Research biologist, activist on the issue of fracking, presenting Colorado data on spills, accidents, impacts on area resident. (These speakers will tell you what COGCC is not telling our elected officials and citizens about the full impacts of oil and gas development – the ones that may affect you and key facts you need to know!) __________________________________________

Fracking

Presented by the League of Women Voters and Arapahoe Library District

When: Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 6:30 pm

Where:  Koelbel Public Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO

Must Register to Attend:  Call 303-542-7279

What:  Overview of current practices and environmental concerns

Speakers:  Encana Oil and Gas Company, Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Colorado Environmental Coalition

Come with questions for Encana and COGCC!  See the “Questions”page (for a list of questions that have not been adequately answered to date by industry and COGCC. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

            Call For Public Comment On Arapahoe County           Draft Oil and Gas Regulations

Right now, the County is drafting regulations to more thoroughly address the land-use impacts of oil and gas exploration within our jurisdiction. The purpose of the land-use regulations is to establish rules that provide reasonable limitations and safeguards for the exploration and production of oil and gas resources in the County and the impact it has on the environment, roads, etc. Once complete, the regulations will provide a framework for responsible exploration and production of oil and gas resources that conserves other natural resources, that is sensitive to surrounding land uses, and mitigates adverse impacts and protects the public health, safety, welfare and environment of the County. These potential impacts include: noise, odor, light pollution, water pollution and damage to county infrastructure, such as the impact of heavy equipment on County roads. Draft Oil and Gas Regulations
 Please provide your feedback via the Feedback Form by Nov. 17, 2011.
  Mail or drop off the completed form to 6924 S. Lima St, Centennial, CO 80112 or 
fax it to 720-874-6671, or email it to oilandgas@co.araphaoe.co.us. In addition, the County is hosting two Open Houses for residents to provide their feedback on the draft regulations. Stop by anytime between 6 – 8 p.m. at one of the following locations.  Nov. 8 – Byers High School Commons Area, 444 E. Front St., Byers    Nov. 10 – Arapahoe County CentrePoint Plaza, 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora

It is Very Important to attend and register your concerns, or send a feedback form, requesting that the County petition COGCC (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission) and the state legislature for the right to determine the place and manner of operations, and to demand a moratorium on drilling until this fundamental right, to protect its residents health and safety, quality of life and property values, has been obtained.  

For more information: http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/Departments/PW/OilGas/OilGas.asp___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aurora City Council Meeting

What:  Join us for the public comment portion of the City Council meeting to voice your concern about fracking and to let them know that we don’t want our city water leased for fracking! When:  Monday, November 14, 2011, at 6:30 pm Where:  Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 Why:   Council is about to consider selling Aurora water for oil and gas drilling (which will pollute our water enough to render it extinct — it can’t be cleaned for other uses). The number of people who show up and sign up to speak will determine our impact on Council. VERY IMPORTANT TO ATTEND!

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FRACKING INFORMATION MEETING When: Saturday, October 1, 2011, at 2 pm. Where: Smoky Hill Public Library, 5430 South Biscay Circle, Centennial, CO 80015, 303-542-7279 Why: Oil and gas drilling is coming fast and furious in Arapahoe County, not just in rural areas, but in suburbs too ! ! You need to know what impacts this will have on your quality of life, property values, water security, air and water quality, etc. We can expect: 24/7 large scale industrial operations extraordinary volume of large tanker truck traffic light pollution tremendous noise tremors air pollution frequent spills of toxic fracking fluid oil or gas, and other accidents (occasional fires and explosions, water/land/air contamination by methane gas migration) Is there anything that you can do about this before such projects begin in your area? Come to our meeting to find out! Who: Be The Change and the “What the Frack?!” Commission To learn more, visit: http://www.frackingcolorado.wordpress.com________________________________________________________________________________________________________

State-wide NO FRACK Rally At the EPA Public Hearings!

The Rally will be held September 28, at 8:30 – 9:30 am at the Convention Center.  Bring signs and wear a gas mask or dust mask, if you have one!

The Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled public hearings in Denver, Colorado on September 28.

The public will be able to comment on the EPA’s proposals aimed at reducing emissions that contribute to smog and can cause cancer.  The proposal includes the first federal air standards for wells that are hydraulically fractured and also seeks to have operators capture and sell natural gas that currently escapes into the air.

If using email, please provide the following information: The time you wish to speak (morning, afternoon or evening), name, affiliation, address, email address and telephone and fax numbers. Time slot preferences will be given in the order requests are received. Requests to speak will be taken the day of each of the hearings at the hearing registration desk, although preferences on speaking times may not be able to be fulfilled.

The September 28, 2011, public hearing will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Room 207, located at 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202; telephone: (303 ) 228-8000. More info at: http://epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/actions.html ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Moving Planet Bike Ride/Rally, Party and Green Fair Saturday, September 24, 2011. The ride starts 8 am in Boulder ending in Denver at 5 pm The Moving Planet Party and Green Fair will be from 5-7 pm at the Capitol Building in Denver. WHAT: Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis – a single day to move away from fossil fuels. We want our Colorado event to be one of the biggest Moving Planet events in the U.S.! This fun “Power Past Fossil Fuels” bike ride begins at the Municipal Building in Boulder and finishes with a Moving Planet Party and Green Fair at the State Capitol in Denver, with sponsor and partner booths, live music, inspirational speakers and fun! WHO: The event is sponsored by http://www.350.org/ and many local green businesses and organizations. Everyone is welcome to participate in this event and take part in any portion of the ride or just show up for the Party and Green Fair at the end. People who don’t want to cycle as far (families, etc.) can join us at one of the action station locations along the way, until we are a moving spectacle on wheels (or foot) numbering in the thousands, arriving at the State Capitol. WHERE: The bike ride will start at the Boulder Municipal Building and ride will stop at various “action stations” along the way – places we would like to see move beyond fossil fuels – which will be hosted by partner organizations. Action stations include coal plants, a tar sands oil refinery, and other dirty energy spots along the way. We will call for these dirty old coal plants to be retired now, for a safe direct bike route between Boulder and Denver (so the many cyclists in our region can commute fossil-free) and for a clean energy future. The bike ride ends in Denver at the Capitol Building, with a Moving Planet Party and Green Fair, with sponsor and partner booths, live music, inspirational speakers and fun! WHY: For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. That era must come to an end. On September 24, 2011 come on bike, on skates, on a board, or just on foot. Come with your neighbors and your friends, your family and your co-workers. Come be part of something huge. It’s time to get moving on the climate crisis.For more information: http://www.350.org/

Moving Planet bike route map. More information at: http://www.350Colorado.org

                           ELBERT COUNTY RESIDENTS  

DON’T LET OUR WELLS GO DRY 

“Nyquist and Pretzler are board members of the Elbert and Highway 86 Commercial and Metro District and an associated company that owns Elbert County water rights — about 700 acre-feet of Denver Basin groundwater.”  Pueblo Chieftain, Aug. 5, 2011 “Crafted outside the view of the public and some of the state’s keenest water thinkers, a fast-tracked plan for a 150-mile pipeline to move water from Colorado’s Arkansas Valley north to Elbert County needs to be more thoroughly vetted.” Denver Post Editorial, Aug. 8, 2011 “But while the 150-mile pipeline from the Arkansas River is built, GP intends to export water from Elbert County’s underground aquifers to serve customers in such counties as El Paso” Denver Post, Aug. 8, 2011

ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING  

Wednesday August 24 at 9 am, in the Exhibition Hall at the Elbert County Fairgrounds (just north of Kiowa on the Kiowa-Bennett Road).

The Metropolitan District will also be holding an informational meeting prior to the BOCC meeting 

Aug. 17th, 7PM to 9:30 PM in Elizabeth at Legacy Academy, 1975 Legacy Circle in the cafeteria.

Our Commissioners will be voting on the 3^rd Amendment to expand the Highway 86 Commercial Metro District.  This amendment will allow the county’s water to be SOLD statewide putting our wells at risk of going dry!  PLEASE GET INVOLVED and contact your commissioners!   Commissioner District 1       Del Schwab                                  303-621-3132                      del.schwab@elbertcounty-co.gov Commissioner District 2       Kurt Schlegel                            303-621-3139                           kurt.schlegel@elbertcounty-co.gov Commissioner District 3       John Shipper                              303-621-3114                           john.shipper@elbertcounty-co.gov For more information, visit the following web sites: http://www.elbert-grab.com/, http://www.new-plains.com/ _________________________________________________________________

The “What the Frack?” Commission will submit its petitions to the Aurora City Council on Monday, August 8, 2011

The meeting starts at 7:30 pm.  City Council meetings are open to the public and citizens are invited to be heard.  If you want to speak (and voice your concern about  fracking), you need to   sign-up at 7:30 pm and comments are usually heard at the beginning of the meeting. You’ll have up to 3 minutes to speak.

The Aurora Municipal Center is located at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO. The city council meeting is held in the City Council Chamber.

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GASLAND Trailer 2010http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZe1AeH0Qz8

Oil Fracking Information Meeting