187K active Gas/Oil leases near neighborhoods, parks and schools in Arapahoe County Colorado

Using data from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the website’s map shows a total of 187,000 active leases near neighborhoods, parks and schools in Arapahoe County.  The map also shows that 192,000 acres in Arapahoe County contain mineral rights owned by oil and gas companies. The two largest lease and right holders in Aurora are Texas-based companies Anadarko Petroleum Corp. and ConocoPhillips.
While not every lease will be developed, the fact these leases were so recently filed and that the oil and gas industry owns the mineral rights under so much of Arapahoe County is clearly a warning sign for elected officials and residents. Our state government exists to protect our citizens, but right now our local governments don’t have the tools to exercise their rights to determine where oil and gas development occurs or how close it should be to our schools, homes and open spaces. I am concerned the governor’s Oil and Gas Task Force will miss an opportunity to support true protections that will give more certainty to industry while giving local governments their rightful say in what occurs within their borders.
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