RIFLE, Colo.—The Garfield County commissioners have voted to support a group of residents in opposing an energy company’s request to increase the density of gas wells in one area.
Antero Resources is asking state regulators to increase the number of wells from one every 160 acres to one every 10 acres in a 640-acre tract near Rifle.
Officials say the spacing refers to below-ground bores and doesn’t necessarily mean there would be one drilling rig every 10 acres.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent reports that commissioners voted 2-1 on Tuesday to side with residents.
Commissioner John Martin cast the dissenting vote, saying that opposing Antero’s plan hurts people entitled to mineral royalties, and that there are better ways to deal with the issue.
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Information from: Post Independent,
