At no other time in the history of the West have we experienced more pressure to develop our natural resources to meet America's energy demands. We MUST ensure that mineral development is done using the best technology and in a way that ensures the survival of both our other natural resources and our Western way of life. Here we offer a primer on key energy issues.
Oil Shale
The rich oil shale resources of western Colorado are no secret. They were discovered over a hundred years ago, and they have seen several failed attempts at exploitation -- due primarily to cost and technical issues. The most recent oil shale boom went bust on "Black Sunday" in May 1982 when oil companies closed the Colony Oil Shale project near Parachute, Colorado and over 2,000 residents of western Colorado became unemployed overnight. After decades of inaction, however, high gasoline prices led Congress in 2005 to put oil shale planning on a fast track.
Learn more about Oil Shale
Economics
The high cost of energy for transporation and heating have literally fueled efforts to increase the scale and speed of development of the West. But before we "Drill, Baby Drill" we had better understand the bigger economic picture.
We are all hurting from the high cost of energy. How should Congress help?
Energy Crisis Response: What Congress Can Do This Year
Our livley hoods depend on a diversity of natural resources, including keeping the State's fish and game healthy. Don't take our word for it! Have a look at the recent report on the Economic Impact of Fish and Game.
The Economic Impacts of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Watching in Colorado
Fuel Facts
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is updating the protections for Colorado's
wildlife and local communities that are impacted by current natural gas drilling boom. The oil
and natural gas industry falsely claims the updated rules will put them out of business and
destroy the state's economy.
But the truth is this: Protecting our environment and our communities will benefit all
Coloradoans. While extracting oil and natural gas can benefit the state, that extraction must not
damage the environment and our natural amenities that are important drivers for Colorado's
economy1. Protecting our natural amenities – our clean water, clean air, wildlife and scenery – is
essential for sustaining our state's diverse economy.
Let's dispel some of the industry's myths:
Alternative Energy
Interest in alternative energy is growing
Deseret News June 25, 2008
"The U.S. imports oil because it's less expensive than trying to produce it at home… If
the U.S. government and industry leaders are serious about tapping oil shale, research and
development should be further along than they now are…You'll need to go from
producing zero oil shale to 10 million barrels of oil shale in about seven years... We're
going to need alternatives in a timely fashion, and if they're not available, it will (result)
in tremendous economic disruption." - Robert Kaufman, Professor, Boston Center for Energy and Environmental Studies
