Bill From Colorado Lawmakers Influences Mineral Rights on Ranges

Denver, Colorado A tentative lease for mineral rights associated with the former Lowry Bombing Range is in jeopardy from a bill introduced by Colorado lawmakers to impose strict rules for fracking near hazardous waste sites including sites with munitions and explosives. The mineral rights associated with the former Lowry Bombing Range are controlled by the Colorado State Land Board. The Land Board who over sees approximately 4 million acres of land typically solicits bids from energy companies for rights to access the natural resources including oil and natural gas. Reportedly, ConocoPhillips agreed to a $137M lease for oil and natural gas rights underneath the 21,000 acre former Lowry Bombing Range. The lease was approved by the Land Board in January.

The bill introduced by Colorado lawmakers, which can be viewed using the download link below, would set rules for water quality monitoring and bonding requirements for companies mining near hazardous waste sites including NPL sites.

Hydraulic fracking is a process which sand, water and chemicals are forced into bedrock to release oil and natural gas. The practice has been under significant scrutiny over the years from various environmental groups. Several states including New York, Ohio, and West Virginia are also working to regulate the practice.