The Montezuma County commissioners’ letter opposing citizen participation in a master leasing plan for oil and gas development in our county prompts the image of ostriches with their heads in the sand. The recent spill of toxic metals waste into the Animas River serves as relevant reminder of how energy development and extraction industries directly impact our environment and quality of life. Silverton repeatedly resisted being associated with a Superfund clean-up site, fearing that such a designation would impede tourist dollars and tarnishing an image of a pristine environment in the Four Corners. This allowed a wait-and-see mentality (the opposite of proactive) that consequently reduced averting the disaster and put Southwest Colorado on the front page and every Internet site across the nation.
We are all stewards of the environment and the commissioners’ refusal to even allow discussion in a respected forum (whose intention is to hold industry responsible for the manner in which operations affect a larger community) is irresponsible and not representational of many of their constituents. Sending a letter that renders citizens silent to the needed examination of industries’ impacts on the environment because it may affect employment and business opportunities at any cost to the quality of life, is short-sighted and ignores that it is the beauty and natural ecology of our region that we need to preserve, and that many citizens here cherish. Wake up, commissioners, and think about incentives for bringing renewable energy and sustainable industry to Montezuma County. Join the discussion and engage in the future of life for all of us.
Ellen J. Benson
Dolores