Soapbox: Don't be deceived; learn facts about oil and gas

The debate over oil and gas development in Windsor has escalated lately as more activity has moved into the area. As former state representative for Windsor, I encourage local residents to learn more about this vital energy industry that is providing jobs for people in Windsor and across Colorado, and that is also finally making our nation energy independent.

Be aware there are groups in Colorado, including some out of state interests, that are inciting fear to hype their anti-energy agenda. Don't believe their misinformation campaign. Instead, learn the facts.

When I served in the state legislature, I had a chance to study Colorado's oil and gas regulations. Colorado has created some of the toughest regulations in the country. The state strictly regulates everything from air emissions to groundwater and even the distance a well can be from a house or school. They hold the industry accountable to communities in which they operate. All of this is done for the sake of ensuring the health and safety of Coloradans.

Stakeholders from community leaders to environmentalists to elected officials have been at the table every step of the way, working side by side with each other and with state and public health officials on regulatory issues.

This process works and it has ensured Colorado's citizens, and our environment, are protected.

Not only is oil and gas development safe and well regulated, but it also provides jobs for our citizens so families can live in Colorado and make a living. It also contributes greatly to our state's economy and ensures it can thrive. In 2012 alone, the oil and gas industry contributed more than $1.6 billion in public revenues, almost $500 million of which went to education.

Windsor deserves its fair share of that revenue to support local schools, firefighters and infrastructure.

Regarding "local control," Colorado has 61 cities and 35 towns, including Windsor, that are home rule municipalities and these municipalities are self-governing under Article XX of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. As home rule cities their destiny is their own because only they can approve local permitting and zoning. They can create memorandums of understanding (MOUs), which are legally binding agreements between operators and local governments that set clear rules for energy development in their community, including hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

In fact, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association has engaged with more than 35 communities across the state to develop various forms of local agreements to develop oil and gas resources safely and responsibly.

Don't take the bait when it comes to the misinformation campaign of energy opponents whose aim is to stop energy development and production not only in Colorado, but in our nation.

Educate yourself about what it means to have oil and gas in your community, and visit the Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development website at www.cred.org for more information.

B.J. Nikkel served in the House of Representatives from 2009-2013 and also served for two years as House Majority Whip. She currently serves as director for Larimer Energy Action Project.