Against the Odds, Three Colorado Communities Protect Themselves from Fracking (Updated)

DENVER, COLO. — “We witnessed historic victories last night with the passage of measures to stop fracking in Fort Collins, Boulder and Lafayette, with the Broomfield measure still too close to call. Tens of thousands of Coloradans from across the state spoke out resoundingly against fracking and for protecting their health, safety, property, families and futures from this dangerous, irresponsible practice.

“Up against nearly $400,000 spent by the oil and gas industry, Fort Collins residents are celebrating an overwhelming victory with over 56 percent of the vote to establish a five-year moratorium.

“In the financial and population center of the Democratic Party, Boulder voters chose the health and safety of their community over siding with the state’s pro-fracking Democratic leader, Governor Hickenlooper. Boulder’s Question 2H is leading by a landslide – more than 77 percent of the vote as of 8 am MT. And the city of Lafayette will make history as the second city to ban fracking in Colorado with 58 percent of voters voting yes on Question 300.

“Even Broomfield’s Question 300 is still too close to call. Out of more than 20,500 votes, there is only a 13 vote difference. With the Colorado Oil and Gas Association spending nearly a quarter of a million dollars in Broomfield alone, the oil and gas industry could succeed in buying Broomfield’s election.

“These victories are even more impressive given the outrageous spending by the oil and gas industry, totaling nearly $900,000, which was a brazen attempt to intimidate voters and buy these elections. As the results show, most Coloradans are not fooled by the dirty money and glossy advertisements put out by the oil and gas industry. Voters understand that fracking is inherently dangerous and imperils the future of our beautiful state.

“Governor Hickenlooper should take heed of these momentous results. Instead of representing the people who voted him into office, he’s been champion-in-chief for the oil and gas industry: suing local communities to force fracking next to homes and schools, bragging about drinking fracking fluid and keynoting multiple oil and gas summits while simultaneously refusing to meet with concerned citizens.

“Coloradans have sent a strong simple message in this election: they do not want fracking in their communities. It’s something that Governor Hickenlooper should especially take notice of as we head towards 2014, and that all of our state and federal representatives should pay attention to.”

Contact: Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; [email protected]