The rights of surface owners vs. drillers
State Rep. Kathleen Curry’s bill affording surface owners more rights and protections (House Bill 1185) is a long-overdue reform for Colorado. With current gas and oil drilling activity levels, and high prices leading to increased drilling for the foreseeable future, Colorado must have some system that compels energy companies to deal fairly with surface owners.
Under current laws, thousands of surface owners around the state face impacts from well pads, heavily used road networks, and other physical activities that may not qualify for compensation because they don’t impact agricultural output. This bill can change this.
The energy development companies argue that they have already paid for the mineral rights and shouldn’t have to pay the landowner to act on them. History strengthens their argument. The legal system has always afforded minerals and developers a higher standing than land and individuals.
With this bill, however, we can alter this system and shape a different future in Colorado. We can raise the standing of the land and recognize an equitable position for individuals.
Yes, passage of this bill may lead to increased costs to energy companies. The legislation, however, will in no way alter an energy company’s rights to develop minerals. What will change for the energy companies is how they deal with landowners. They’ll be compelled by law and fear of economic loss to deal with them nearer to the level of accountability we all share: fairly and honestly, and if you harm someone, compensate them.
Patrick Barker II, Glenwood Springs
Abortion doctor’s criticism of candidate
Re: “Doctor calls Ritter a danger to choice,” Jan. 25 news story.
I was privileged to attend the press conference where Dr. Warren Hern highlighted the views of Bill Ritter, the Democratic candidate for governor. As your article states, Ritter has promised that he would enforce existing laws on abortion, including Roe vs. Wade, and says that changing those laws is not part of his agenda.
That’s no big thing. Governors aren’t able to change Supreme Court decisions. But he certainly could help pass new laws that would limit a woman’s right to obtain safe medical care. As Hern pointed out, Ritter’s position on abortion is more restrictive than the reform act passed by Colorado in 1967 – he would ban all abortions except to save the life of the woman or for reasons of rape or incest.
Where is any consideration for the health of the woman? Or sympathy for severe fetal disorders? As I read Hern’s handouts showing cases in his everyday practice, I realize that such a narrow law would not cover all of the situations he describes. Some pregnancies can present severe health risks for women, causing life-long impairment if carried to term. Fetal abnormalities, and the abortion procedures necessary to ensure a safe, healthy recovery of the woman, require a highly trained specialist such as Hern.
Democrats need a pro-choice candidate who will not jeopardize these options for Colorado women.
Janet Brazill, Colorado Springs
Honesty in government
Re: “Energy should be key issue for 2008,” Jan. 25 editorial.
The biggest issue in the 2008 elections should be returning to open, honest and transparent government. This administration has been the most secretive, deceptive, conniving and power-grabbing in memory, and this president has been just the opposite of the uniting compassionate conservative he claimed to be when he was campaigning. He is what he is, and his cronies are too, and we are stuck with them.
I hope both parties will emphasize honesty in government in 2008, and then deliver, to try to stop the huge deterioration in the confidence of the public in government and democracy. Our government cannot survive if the public cannot trust the people we elect. Democracy is unworkable without the trust and participation of citizens, and far too many people now think the situation is out of control. They have turned inward and given up on prospects for the future and rely on blind hope that they are not too badly hurt by any continuation of current policies.
John Borgen, Grand Junction
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